Michael Barrett , LPC

Michael Barrett is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Michigan with 15 years of professional experience. He has worked extensively with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, grief and loss, anger management, and depression, bringing a practical, strengths-focused approach to each case.

He views each person as the expert of their own story and centers therapy on clients' existing strengths and resources. This perspective guides collaborative goal setting and helps clients build skills to manage difficult emotions, reduce impulsivity, and address substance-related concerns. Michael also works with issues such as dependent personality, forgiveness, men's issues, post-traumatic stress, and social anxiety and phobia.

Employed full-time during the day in a metropolitan community health setting, he offers online therapy in the evenings to increase access for people with busy schedules. He emphasizes that taking the first step toward help takes courage and recognizes the effort involved in reaching out. Michael aims to create a supportive environment where clients can explore challenges, learn coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Michael Barrett

Michael Barrett integrates Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy into his online practice. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and building a collaborative relationship so clients can explore their values and goals while feeling understood - this approach is useful for people navigating grief, relationship concerns, or self-exploration. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, offering practical strategies for anxiety, depression, anger, and addictive behaviors. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and acceptance techniques that can reduce reactivity and support emotional regulation, which is often helpful for stress, impulsivity, and post-traumatic symptoms.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process, and Michael works collaboratively with each person to tailor interventions to their needs, goals, and preferences. He listens to the client’s priorities and adjusts techniques over time to find what works best.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, over the phone, via live chat, or through text-based messaging - which can make it easier to fit care into evening hours and busy lives. These options support ongoing access to licensed professionals and allow therapy to continue even when schedules or location make in-person visits difficult.