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Michael Misterka

Michael Misterka

LCSW-C

Maryland

Practical, client-led therapy for everyday challenges

Continue with Michael

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW-C
License
LCSW-C, Maryland / 16573
Experience
15 years
Languages
English
Location
Maryland

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

    • Client-centered approach
    • Motivational interviewing
    • 15 years experience

    About Michael

    Michael Misterka is a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland who helps people make practical changes in their lives. He focuses on everyday struggles such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting concerns, addiction, grief, anger, and challenges with self-esteem. Michael writes plainly and aims to join people as they figure out next steps.

    Michael centers sessions on the person in front of him. He prefers a client-centered, motivational approach that encourages honest conversation and shared decision making. He listens for what matters most and helps people set realistic goals they want to pursue.

    His approach draws from several methods, including Attachment-Based Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, psychodynamic ideas, and solution-focused tools. He adapts techniques to fit each person's situation rather than using a single formula. Sessions often involve talking through patterns, identifying small changes, and testing new ways of responding.

    With 15 years of experience, Michael has worked with people affected by trauma and family-of-origin issues, substance use, readjustment after incarceration, and life transitions. He also supports people dealing with intimacy issues, career questions, ADHD, and feelings of isolation or shame.

    Michael encourages people to choose their own pace and direction in therapy. He offers a straightforward, respectful style and stays focused on making progress that feels useful in daily life.

  2. How Michael’s approaches translate to online care

    Michael blends Motivational Interviewing, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy into a practical way of working. Motivational Interviewing focuses on helping people find their own reasons for change and build small steps toward those goals. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current feelings and patterns so people can shift how they respond in close relationships. Client-Centered Therapy keeps the session focused on the person’s priorities and choices, letting the therapist follow the client’s lead.

    Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Michael will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has worked or not worked in the past. Together they pick methods that match the person’s needs and adjust the plan as progress is made.

    Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some clients find video helpful for face-to-face interaction, while others prefer audio for lower bandwidth or a brief talk during a break. The focus is on finding a practical way to make therapy part of everyday life rather than on a single delivery method.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger management

    Also works with

    AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesADHD

    Additional focus areas

    Attachment issuesBlended family issuesCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stress

    Therapeutic approaches

    Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyEmotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    15+ years

    Listed in

    Maryland

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of concerns does Michael help with?

    He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting matters, addiction, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, self-esteem, career issues, ADHD, and related life changes.

    What is his general therapeutic style?

    Sessions are client-centered and collaborative. He uses motivational techniques to help people set goals and make practical changes.

    How much experience does he have?

    Michael has 15 years of counseling experience working with a range of concerns including trauma, substance use, and relationship conflict.

    What are his credentials and where is he based?

    He holds the LCSW-C credential in Maryland and practices in that state.

    Which languages are sessions offered in?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Can international clients work with him?

    International clients are not currently accepted.

    How are sessions scheduled and what does therapy cost?

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

    What are the first steps to begin therapy?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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Michael Misterka Continue with Michael