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MD, LCSW-C

Michael Misterka, MD, LCSW-C

  • Experience15 years
  • LocationMaryland
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesAttachment-Based Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy
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About Michael

Michael Misterka is a licensed clinician in Maryland who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, addiction, trauma, grief, and ADHD.

Background and approach

With 15 years of clinical experience and dual credentials - MD and LCSW-C - he aims to translate therapeutic insight into concrete changes that improve daily functioning and life satisfaction. He emphasizes practical strategies tailored to each person’s situation while recognizing that progress often involves confronting difficult feelings and relational patterns.

His work centers on a client-directed stance that encourages open discussion and shared decision making. Michael blends attachment-focused perspectives with psychodynamic understanding and motivational tools, all delivered in a compassionate, client-centered manner.

He supports people navigating relationship conflict, family-of-origin issues, parenting strains, substance-related problems, anger, and broader life transitions, helping them identify goals and take steps toward them. Sessions are collaborative and paced to the client's readiness, with the therapist serving as a guide through both insight and action.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Attachment-Based Therapy emphasizes understanding patterns in close relationships and how early bonds shape current reactions; it helps people explore connection, boundaries, and emotional responses in relationships. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on meeting the person where they are, valuing the client's perspectives, and fostering self-directed growth through empathic listening and respect for each individual's goals. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on identifying and reshaping emotional responses within relationships to improve connection and reduce distress.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and then recommends or combines methods that best support those aims. This partnership helps ensure the plan evolves as progress is made and priorities change.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for people with busy schedules or limited mobility. These formats allow continuity of care across distances and provide multiple ways to engage with licensed professionals depending on comfort and practical needs.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
Michael works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship and family problems, parenting, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, career concerns, depression, coping with life changes, and ADHD.
What is the therapeutic style and approach?
The approach is client-centered and collaborative, combining attachment-based thinking, psychodynamic reflection, motivational interviewing, emotionally-focused ideas, and solution-focused techniques to tailor work to each person's needs.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
He has 15 years of counseling practice, with experience addressing relationship conflict, trauma and abuse, parenting and family substance issues, anger management, and life readjustment concerns.
What are the clinician's credentials and where is he located?
The clinician holds MD and LCSW-C credentials, registered as MD LCSW-C 16573, and practices from Maryland.
Does he offer services in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English only and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available for working together?
Available formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are fees and payment arranged?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; services use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in getting started?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger management

Also works with

AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesBlended family issuesCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stress

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyEmotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Licensed

Maryland

Languages

English

What Michael can help with

Michael Misterka works with clients on stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, and anger management.

Michael works with men and women, relationship conflict, trauma and abuse, and parenting issues.

How Michael approaches therapy

Michael's clinical approaches include Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Michael is an MD practicing in Maryland, with 15 years of clinical experience.