About Michael

Michael Misterka, MD, LCSW-C helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and relationship struggles. He focuses on practical changes that make daily life easier. He keeps conversations direct and centered on what the client wants to achieve.

Misterka works from a client-centered stance. He invites honest talk about feelings and choices. Clients set goals and he helps them test small changes that can add up over time.

His background spans 15 years of counseling work.

Background and approach

That experience includes helping people deal with trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, anger, and problems tied to family of origin. He also supports people facing career stress, life transitions, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem. Therapy sessions draw on attachment-based ideas, emotionally-focused techniques, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic thinking, and solution-focused methods.

In practice this means talking through patterns that repeat, noticing emotional triggers, and trying concrete steps to alter daily habits. Michael is licensed in Maryland and holds both a medical degree and a clinical social work license. He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.

Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How his approaches work online

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early bonds influence current relationships. Online sessions help people notice repeating patterns and practice different ways of connecting with others. Emotionally-Focused Therapy focuses on understanding and naming emotions in relationships to reduce conflict and increase closeness. In sessions the therapist guides clients to identify feelings and try new interaction steps. Client-Centered Therapy creates space for clients to lead the conversation while the therapist reflects and supports self-directed choices; this helps people clarify goals and test changes in everyday life.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is seen or needs shift.

Online formats offer flexibility for different needs. Video calls let you read facial cues and work in depth. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for quick reflections, ongoing support between sessions, or when someone prefers writing to speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or travel schedules while working on attachment, emotions, and practical change.

Questions people ask

What concerns does he help with?
He supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship and parenting struggles, grief, addictions, anger, trauma and related issues.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses a client-centered approach that emphasizes honest discussion and practical steps. Sessions focus on goals the client chooses and testing small, achievable changes.
How much experience does he have?
He has 15 years of counseling experience working with people facing trauma, substance-related challenges, relationship conflict, and life transitions.
What credentials and location apply?
He holds an MD and is an LCSW-C, and he practices in Maryland.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different schedules and preferences.
How does cost and billing work?
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?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
15 years
Licensed
Maryland
Languages
English

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