PuttingFamilyFirst

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MC Portrait of Michael  Cummings
Online therapist

Michael Cummings

Calm, practical support for family and life stress

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
20 years
Licensed in
Kentucky
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Michael

Michael Cummings is a licensed clinical social worker who draws on practical, down-to-earth methods to help people facing stress and life changes. He works from Kentucky and brings two decades of experience to conversations about anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, and family concerns. Michael keeps sessions straightforward and approachable, mixing direct feedback with a friendly, encouraging manner.

He combines several therapy methods to fit each person's needs rather than using a single formula.

Background and approach

That might mean looking at thoughts and behaviors, practicing acceptance-based skills, or using mindfulness to calm a racing mind. Michael also uses structured techniques for sleep problems and recovery-focused work for substance issues when they apply. His background includes clinical roles with federal and state programs and several years supporting bereavement care.

He has served on an Institutional Review Board and worked as a healthcare ethics consultant, which informs a practical and organized approach to clinical work. In sessions he aims to be active and collaborative, offering concrete tools, straightforward feedback, and occasional humor. He emphasizes realistic steps people can try between meetings to see if they help.

Michael values the outdoors and Appalachian roots, which shape his calm, grounded style. He works with people who want clear, useful strategies for everyday struggles and is comfortable addressing parenting and family-related topics as part of that work.

Approaches that fit real life, delivered online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then take small actions that match their values. It can help with anxiety, depression, and getting moving after loss or big life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing more useful ways of acting and thinking, which is useful for anxiety, mood problems, and sleep issues.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and habits, try methods that match those goals, and adjust what they do based on what helps. That collaborative process makes it easier to find concrete steps that fit daily life.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to give flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. Video and phone let people have a focused conversation when time or travel is limited. Live chat and messaging can work well for short check-ins, reminders, or when someone wants to put thoughts into writing. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent while fitting it around school, work, and family life.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, family issues, parenting concerns, trauma and related problems such as sleep difficulties and anger.
What is his therapy style like?
Sessions are warm and direct with an active therapist offering practical tools, homework, and straightforward feedback.
What experience does he bring?
Michael has about 20 years of experience including federal and state clinical work, bereavement counseling, and roles on an Institutional Review Board and as a healthcare ethics consultant.
Where is he licensed to practice?
He is a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW - with license number KY LCSW 3792 and is based in Kentucky.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different preferences.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Experience
20 years
Licensed
Kentucky
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Michael

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