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MC Portrait of Michael Cotter

Michael Cotter

Practical, empathetic counseling for life transitions

LPC Missouri

Experience
3 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Michael

About Michael

Michael Cotter is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Missouri who supports people coping with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship and family problems, grief, and a wide range of emotional and life transitions.

Background and approach

He also addresses concerns such as ADHD, anger, self-esteem, intimacy-related issues, career challenges, compassion fatigue, and recovery-related needs. Michael blends a practical focus on current problems with attention to the patterns and meanings that shape a person’s experience.

His counseling style emphasizes empathy and collaboration, using client-centered and solution-focused techniques alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-informed methods. He draws on EMDR for trauma-related work and uses motivational interviewing to support readiness for change.

With three years of documented professional experience as an LPC, Michael aims to meet clients where they are and work at a pace that fits each person’s situation. Sessions address both immediate coping strategies and longer-term growth, and Michael also focuses on issues such as blended family dynamics, codependency, communication problems, fatherhood concerns, and end-of-life caregiving.

He practices in English and maintains his license in Missouri under MO LPC 2017023723.

Therapeutic Approaches and How They Work Online

Michael frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people identify and reshape unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching practical skills for managing daily challenges. He also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, offering a supportive, empathetic environment where the client’s own goals and insights guide the work and the therapist provides reflective listening and validation. When trauma is a central concern, EMDR can be used to process distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity, often alongside other therapeutic tools.

Choosing the right approach is part of the collaborative process. Michael works with each person to clarify goals, assess what methods fit best, and adjust the plan over time as needs and preferences change. Clients play an active role in deciding which techniques feel most helpful, and the therapist emphasizes partnership and flexibility throughout the course of care.

Online therapy with Michael is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which can make scheduling easier and reduce travel time. These formats allow for consistent access to support, enable follow-up between sessions, and can accommodate different communication styles and logistical needs while maintaining the therapeutic focus on progress and coping skills.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist treat?
Michael works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship and family problems, grief, and related challenges such as ADHD and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe the therapeutic approach and style?
The approach blends client-centered and solution-focused work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and motivational interviewing, and can include trauma-focused techniques when appropriate.
What is the clinician's background and experience level?
He holds an LPC credential and has three years of documented professional experience providing counseling services.
Where is this therapist licensed and what are the credentials?
Michael is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Missouri with license number MO LPC 2017023723.
Can you work with clients in other languages or from other countries?
Sessions are offered in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available for online work?
Clients can connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging according to availability and preference.
How is pricing handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that may be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with this therapist?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a brief matching questionnaire, and schedule appointments based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentBlended family issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Sex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Licensed

Missouri

Languages

English