Therapist profile
Dr. Michaela Hammer, LCSW
Dr. Michaela Hammer, LCSW - Relationships and Grief
Continue with MichaelaAbout
- Memory loss assessment
- Pet grief counseling
- Life transition support
About Michaela
Dr. Michaela Hammer is an LCSW with 35 years of clinical experience based in Florida. She focuses on relationship strain, grief, depression, parenting concerns, anxiety, stress, trauma and life transitions. Her work also includes issues such as ADHD, intimacy-related concerns, bipolar and caregiving stress.
Hammer writes plainly about transitions in life and the myths that surround them. She helps people sort fact from fiction about memory loss, mood changes, sexuality and neurodivergence. She offers memory loss and cognitive functioning assessments and notes that not all memory loss is permanent.
She describes pet grief as an important but underrecognized area and provides counseling for people mourning the death of a beloved animal. She says referrals for this work sometimes come from veterinarians and medical providers.
Her practice history spans offices, homes, schools, retirement communities, nursing homes and hospitals. She has helped set up memory clinics and conducted routine depression and anxiety assessments. She has delivered in-service training on cultural awareness and aging.
Hammer draws on decades of experience with adults across many backgrounds. She emphasizes practical help: sharing research, resources and follow-up rather than giving a diagnosis and walking away. Her approach aims to help people carry on with respect and dignity.
How sessions work
How therapeutic methods translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on the person's concerns and perspective, using listening and reflective conversation to help people clarify goals and feel understood. It is useful for relationship strain, grief and life transitions where exploring personal values matters.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thought and behavior and offers tools to change unhelpful habits. It can help with depression, anxiety, stress and some mood disorder symptoms by teaching concrete coping strategies.
Motivational Interviewing uses open questions and collaborative planning to help people find internal reasons for change. It can be useful for career shifts, lifestyle changes and increasing motivation during difficult transitions.
Picking the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options, try methods that fit the client's goals, and adjust plans based on what helps. This is a collaborative process that focuses on the client's needs and preferences.
If you plan to work online, confirm the session formats available before booking. The practical advantages of remote sessions include fitting appointments around work or caregiving, shorter check-ins when needed, and reducing travel time. Discuss any scheduling needs when you complete the matching questionnaire so sessions can fit into everyday life.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
Florida, New Mexico
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What relationship issues does she address?
She works with adults on relationship strain, intimacy-related problems, communication challenges and infidelity concerns.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach draws on client-centered therapy and solution-focused work, using practical steps and collaborative discussion to address immediate concerns.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 35 years of experience working in a wide range of settings with adults across the lifespan.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is an LCSW licensed in Florida and also holds an LCSW in New Mexico; her practice is based in Florida.
In which language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees structured?
Cost varies with location and sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin scheduling a session?
Click 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.