Michael Henderson

Michael Henderson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings 16 years in clinical practice and 25 years in behavioral health to his work. He practices in Virginia and supports adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem concerns. Michael presents a direct but compassionate manner as rapport grows. He has worked in inpatient hospitals, community behavioral health centers, and outpatient settings. That range shaped how he responds to common and complex problems. He uses a mix of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and community resources gathered over years on the front line. Michael often helps people manage reactions to illness, caregiving strain, and cancer-related stress. He also addresses attachment and adoption concerns, abandonment, blended family adjustments, communication and commitment issues, and patterns like codependency or avoidant personality traits. During intake he focuses on hearing a client’s background and goals. He then helps identify practical barriers and steps toward better functioning. The client’s priorities guide the work, and Michael lays out straightforward options to reach those aims. His style begins subtly and becomes more direct as trust grows. He aims to collaborate on goal-setting and problem-solving, helping people change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors rooted in complex life histories.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Michael draws on well-known, evidence-based techniques to structure sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Acceptance-oriented work such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on clarifying values and taking committed action even when difficult feelings remain.

Michael views finding the right approach as a collaborative process. He will talk with clients about their needs, goals, and preferences and then suggest techniques to try. Together they check what helps and adjust the plan over time so therapy stays useful for daily life.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the available session formats before booking. The main practical benefits are convenience and easier scheduling for busy days, and the ability to fit sessions into work or caregiving routines. Online work can also make short check-ins simpler and allow focus on skills practice between visits. A therapist will explain which approaches are best suited to online sessions and how to structure meetings to meet your goals.