Michael Perkins

Michael Perkins is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Missouri with more than 20 years of clinical and counseling experience. He focuses on helping people navigate relationship strain, family conflict, parenting stress, and issues such as anxiety, depression, and anger. He also brings a long background in teaching social work and human services to his practice.

He uses practical, talk-based sessions that look at what a person wants to change and what is already going well. Sessions often include small tasks or reading to try between meetings. Michael emphasizes building on each person’s existing strengths rather than starting from scratch.

Michael draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. He also incorporates mindfulness practices to help calm the mind and improve present-moment awareness. He blends these approaches with elements of positive psychology to strengthen what’s working in life.

Typical work can include coping with life transitions, improving communication, managing stress, and addressing issues tied to family of origin or fatherhood. He also offers support for those dealing with career concerns, burnout, compassion fatigue, and attention-related difficulties. The overall style is collaborative and steady, with a practical focus on usable skills.

People who choose Michael can expect a respectful, down-to-earth conversation that emphasizes small, workable changes. He asks what matters most to each person and helps shape a plan that fits their daily life.

How these approaches work for online therapy

Michael primarily uses Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in his work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, understanding each person’s perspective, and helping them find their own solutions; it tends to help with relationship issues, self-esteem, and life purpose. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact and teaches practical strategies to change patterns that fuel anxiety, anger, or low mood.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. He will work together with each person to decide which methods match their goals and preferences, and adjust the plan over time based on what helps most.

Session formats are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also let people try techniques and homework between meetings and bring examples from daily life into sessions for discussion.