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Michael Mcbrearty

Therapist profile

Michael Mcbrearty, LCSW

New Jersey

LCSW - Anger and Stress-focused

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Key details

  • CredentialsLCSW
  • LicenseLCSW, New Jersey / 44SC05958400; LCSW, New York / 081890
  • NPI1790842946
  • Experience20 years
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • LocationNew Jersey

About

  • Cognitive behavioral techniques
  • Mindfulness exercises
  • Motivational interviewing

About Michael

Michael Mcbrearty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of experience. He practices in New Jersey and works with adults on concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, anger, depression, addictions, and related issues.

He uses a mix of practical methods including cognitive behavioral ideas, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based practices. Sessions are straightforward and focused on what is happening now and what can be tried next. He prioritizes clear conversation and practical steps over jargon.

Clients often bring problems that affect day-to-day life - trouble managing anger, career setbacks, low self-esteem, or overwhelming stress. He also addresses intimacy-related difficulties, eating and substance challenges, and the effects of trauma and loss. Michael helps people notice patterns and try small changes that add up.

He trained at Rutgers University and holds LCSW credentials in New Jersey and New York. He also has a credential as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor in New York. Those qualifications guide how he shapes sessions and the supports he suggests.

His approach blends direct conversation, practical coping tools, and short exercises like mindfulness practices or values work. Sessions often mix talking with simple skills practice. People who want clear, pragmatic help with anger, stress, or addictive behaviors will find a steady, action-oriented approach.

How sessions work

Combining practical approaches for online work

Michael often integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into his work. ACT focuses on clarifying values and taking committed action even when difficult feelings are present; it can help with anger that keeps getting in the way of what matters. CBT looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact and offers concrete tools to change unhelpful patterns, which can reduce reactivity and worry.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative. He will talk with the client about goals, try techniques, and adapt what’s used based on what helps most. That means sessions may mix values work, thought-challenging exercises, and brief mindfulness practices until a useful rhythm is found.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy day, reduce travel time, or allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Therapists and licensed professionals can use online sessions to teach coping skills, run short exercises, and support ongoing change without requiring in-person attendance.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Listed in

New Jersey, New York

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he help with?

He works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, anger, depression, addictions, and related concerns such as self-esteem and career struggles.

What is his therapy style like?

He uses a direct, open approach drawing on cognitive behavioral tools, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices to focus on practical steps.

How much experience does he have?

He has 20 years of clinical experience working with adults on a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.

What are his credentials and where does he practice?

He is an LCSW licensed in New Jersey and New York and practices in New Jersey. He also holds a credential as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor in New York.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does he work with international clients?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?

Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.

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Michael Mcbrearty

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