- Family of origin issues
- Relationship conflict
- Addiction recovery support
About Michael
Michael Misterka is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) practicing in Maryland with 15 years of clinical experience. He works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and family of origin issues.
He focuses on making practical changes that reduce suffering and increase day-to-day functioning. Sessions emphasize straightforward conversation about current problems and decisions the client wants to make. Michael frames therapy as a collaborative effort where the client chooses goals and the pace of work.
Michael draws on a mix of approaches including psychodynamic ideas, developmental perspectives, client-centered work, and experiential practices. He uses Motivational Interviewing to support change and Emotionally-Focused ideas to address patterns in relationships and attachment. Treatment blends insight about past patterns with concrete steps for present behavior.
In sessions he encourages honest discussion of family roles, expectations, and the ways early relationships still affect current choices. He helps people talk through communication problems, issues around fatherhood, blended family dynamics, and the fallout of separation or divorce. He also works with people facing addiction, domestic violence histories, and problems related to incarceration and reentry.
Michael supports men and women who want clearer decision making and improved relationships. He combines listening with practical suggestions and goal-oriented tasks. To begin, he asks that potential clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session so work can start with clear priorities.
How his approaches translate to online work
Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current bonds and emotional responses; it helps people notice patterns in closeness, trust, and reactivity and consider different ways of relating. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and the client's agenda; sessions concentrate on what the person wants to address and on supporting their decision making. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) looks at interactional patterns in relationships and helps people recognize and change how they respond emotionally to strain or conflict.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael will discuss which methods fit a person’s goals, needs, and preferences and adapt the plan as sessions progress. He treats the choice of approach as a collaborative decision made together with the client.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier and reduce travel time. It can also allow shorter check-ins on busy days or sessions without video when that is preferable. Talk with the therapist after completing the matching questionnaire to learn which session formats he currently offers and how they can fit into your routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Maryland
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, ADHD, and family of origin issues.
What is his therapeutic style?
Sessions are client-centered and client-motivated, combining practical steps with discussion about goals and choices the client wants to make.
How much experience does he have?
Michael has 15 years of counseling experience across issues like relationship conflict, trauma and addiction-related family problems.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LCSW-C in Maryland and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can international clients work with him?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies by 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 a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.