Michael Hurd, LCSW

Michael Hurd is a licensed clinical social worker with a practical, solution-focused way of working. He keeps sessions goal-oriented and concentrates on what can be changed now. He positions himself as a thinking partner who helps people build on strengths they already have.

Therapy with him centers on present problems and practical steps. He brings 36 years of experience and emphasizes lifting people up rather than labeling them. Background and childhood are discussed only when they help reach current goals.

He helps people notice patterns that get in the way and then targets self-defeating behaviors. Sessions often include straightforward coaching, problem solving, and step-by-step plans. The focus is on small, attainable changes that add up over time.

His work has included writing two books, producing many articles, and hosting radio and podcast material. That background informs his direct, conversational style in sessions. He aims to guide and reason with clients rather than prescribe solutions.

People consult him about stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family strain, self-esteem, grief, and coping with life changes. He also addresses concerns such as ADHD, burnout and compassion fatigue, eating and sleeping problems, and career or parenting stress. Those topics are approached with clear goals and practical strategies.

How his approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's experience. It aims to help people feel heard and to build on their own goals and resources. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns; it often helps with anxiety, depression, and stress. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on what a person wants to achieve and identifies small steps that move toward those goals rather than spending long periods on past causes.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they try a way of working, check progress, and adjust the plan as needed so it feels useful and realistic.

For practical matters, confirm the session formats offered before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by reducing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and making it simpler to meet from different locations. The focus remains on clear goals, step-by-step plans, and tools that can be used between sessions to support everyday change.