Therapist profile
Michael Misterka, LCSW-C
LCSW-C therapist - relationship and parenting concerns
Continue with MichaelAbout
- Attachment approaches
- Emotion-focused work
- Motivational interviewing
About Michael
Michael Misterka is an LCSW-C licensed in Maryland with 15 years of clinical experience. He works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, parenting challenges, addiction, trauma, grief, and life changes. He also addresses issues such as self-esteem, anger, intimacy concerns, and problems related to ADHD.
He favors a client-centered stance that asks what the person wants to change. Sessions focus on practical steps people can take to reduce suffering and improve daily life. He encourages frank discussion about what approaches may help and supports clients in deciding their goals.
Michael draws on several ways of working rather than one fixed method. His practice uses attachment-focused ideas, emotionally-focused techniques, psychodynamic reflections, motivational interviewing, and solution-oriented tools. That mix allows him to shift emphasis depending on the issue and the person in front of him.
When family of origin or close relationships are involved, he pays attention to patterns that started earlier in life. He also has experience with blended family issues, fatherhood concerns, communication problems, divorce and separation, and relatives affected by substance use or incarceration.
Sessions typically look at current problems and small, manageable changes clients can try between meetings. He talks with people about boundaries, decision making, coping strategies, and rebuilding connection where it matters most.
How sessions work
How his approaches translate to online work
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early bonds influence current relationships. Online sessions can help identify patterns in parenting, partner interactions, or family roles and practice new ways of relating. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on what the client wants to change and uses listening and reflection to clarify goals and next steps. This approach helps people set priorities and decide which practical actions to try between sessions. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) targets important feelings and interaction cycles in close relationships. It can be useful for people working on intimacy, trust, or repairing connection.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Michael treats this as a collaborative process. He will discuss options and adjust methods based on the client's needs, goals, and preferences rather than prescribing a single method from the start.
Confirm current session formats before booking because the biography does not list them. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It can also let someone join from a quieter space or use audio-only if that better suits a particular moment. Licensed professionals use these practical options to help clients keep therapy consistent with daily life.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Maryland
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of family or parenting concerns does he address?
He supports adults facing parenting strain, blended family issues, fatherhood challenges, and family-of-origin problems that affect current relationships.
How does he approach therapy?
He uses a client-centered approach and combines attachment-based, emotionally-focused, psychodynamic, and motivational strategies to find practical changes that fit the client's goals.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 15 years of counseling experience working with issues such as trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He is an LCSW-C licensed in Maryland and practices with that credential.
Does he offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English only.
What session formats does he provide?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify the available formats.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.