Michael Mcbrearty, LCSW - Therapist in New Jersey

20 years experience
Mindfulness and CBT
LCSW in NJ and NY

About Michael

Michael Mcbrearty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey who offers a warm, straightforward therapy style. He creates an open, accepting space where people can talk about stress, anxiety, grief, addiction, and other struggles without judgment. His manner is calm and direct, aimed at helping people feel heard and understood from the first session.

He uses a mix of cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness strategies to address problems. That mix helps with mood concerns like depression and bipolar symptoms, anger, and coping with life changes. He also supports people facing relationship strain, intimacy questions, eating issues, and identity concerns including LGBT topics.

With 20 years of experience, he draws on practical tools and steady support to help clients set goals and take small steps toward change. He believes therapy requires courage and commitment, and he offers a collaborative approach to make the work manageable. Clients can expect focused talk, skill practice, and reflection aimed at improving day-to-day functioning.

Michael graduated from Rutgers University with a Master of Social Work and holds LCSW credentials in New Jersey and New York. His background includes work with substance use and related concerns. He encourages people ready to make a change to take the first step and arrange a session to discuss next steps.

He works in English and does not accept international clients. Before booking, confirm current session options and scheduling details to make sure they fit your needs.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and focus on values-based action. It often suits those facing anxiety, depression, or big life changes who want to build meaningful routines. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses practical exercises to change patterns. It is commonly used for anxiety, mood concerns, and stress management. Mindfulness Therapy encourages present-moment awareness and simple attention practices to reduce rumination and reactivity, which can help with anger, grief, and ongoing stress.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, past efforts, and daily life to decide which methods to try first. Plans are adjusted over time based on what is helpful, and clients are invited to give feedback about pace and focus.

Confirm session formats before booking to learn how sessions will be delivered. Online options can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins on high-demand days, and remove the need to travel. They can also let someone continue care while recovering from a disruption or after a disaster. Talk with the therapist about practical needs so sessions can be arranged to fit everyday life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes Compassion 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 Issues Money and financial issues Mood disorders Panic 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

Credentials

New Jersey, New York

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Michael address?

He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, anger, relationship strain, self-esteem, career concerns, and related issues such as ADHD and compassion fatigue.

What is his therapy style like?

The approach is open, genuine, accepting, and non-judgmental. Sessions combine practical tools with a supportive, empathetic conversation.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 20 years of experience working in behavioral health and social work settings, using that background to guide goal-setting and skill-building in therapy.

What credentials and region does he practice in?

He holds the Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential (LCSW) and practices in New Jersey. He also holds an LCSW credential in New York.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Are international clients supported?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How is cost handled for sessions?

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

How do I begin working with him?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule based on the therapist's availability.