- Years in practice
- 20
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- Missouri
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Relationship issues
- Focus
- Family conflicts
- Focus
- Parenting issues
About Michael
Michael Perkins is a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of direct counseling experience. He works with adults facing relationship stress, family conflicts, parenting questions, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Michael keeps language simple and practical so busy parents can read and act on ideas quickly.
He uses cognitive behavioral ideas to help people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and patterns. He also draws on client-centered principles to make sessions focused on each person’s goals and values.
Background and approach
Mindfulness techniques are used to help clients manage stress and stay present during challenges. Michael often starts by asking what a client wants to accomplish and what is already working in their life. The conversation usually includes simple skills to practice between sessions and short exercises to try at home.
These take the form of activities or short readings that reinforce progress. His background includes two decades of clinical work and more than 25 years teaching social work and human services. That mix of practice and teaching shapes his clear, down-to-earth style in sessions.
He prefers a collaborative approach where the client’s knowledge of their life guides the work. People who come for help can expect straightforward talk, goal-focused planning, and practical tools they can use during busy family routines. Michael highlights strengths and builds from what already helps, rather than starting from scratch.
What Michael works with
Everything Michael lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Michael helps people with.
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Coping with life changes
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Intimacy-related issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coaching
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Adoption and foster care
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Divorce and separation
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Fatherhood issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Michael lists
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How counseling approaches fit into online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the client’s goals. The therapist creates space for people to describe what matters most and helps them shape goals that fit their life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical steps to change thinking and behavior patterns that worsen anxiety, stress, or relationship problems. It often includes simple exercises to try between sessions. Mindfulness Therapy shows short attention and breathing practices that reduce reactivity and increase present-moment focus, which can help with stress and emotional regulation.Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs and preferences and may combine techniques from different approaches. The plan is reviewed and adjusted as progress is made so it stays useful and relevant.
Online formats offer flexibility for busy schedules. Video calls let people maintain face-to-face connection when that helps. Phone sessions can be a good option when video is not possible or bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for short check-ins, quick skill reviews, or for people who prefer writing over speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work days, evenings, or while juggling parenting duties.
Questions people ask about Michael
What concerns does Michael help with?
He supports adults with relationship strain, family and parenting questions, anxiety, stress, trauma, anger, self esteem, career concerns, and related life changes.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Sessions are collaborative and straightforward, blending client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness exercises to build practical skills.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 20 years of clinical and counseling experience plus over 25 years teaching social work and human services.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He is licensed as an LCSW in Missouri and provides services to people located in that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available online?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
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