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Michael Cotter

Therapist profile

Michael Cotter

Missouri

Recovery-focused counselor for men

Continue with Michael

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

  • Client-centered care
  • Practical strategies
  • Addiction experience

About Michael

Michael Cotter is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who focuses on men’s wellbeing and a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, trauma, and parenting struggles. He meets people where they are and aims to walk alongside them through change without judgment. His background includes work in addiction and related issues, and he draws on practical therapy methods to help clients move forward.

Michael uses clear, down-to-earth language in sessions. He leans on client-centered listening to understand each person’s priorities. From there he draws on tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to identify thinking patterns and find doable steps for change.

He also integrates existential ideas to help people clarify values and what matters most in life. Motivational interviewing is part of his approach when someone is weighing change and needs a nudge toward workable goals. Michael has experience addressing trauma and its effects on daily life.

Michael has three years of experience as an LPC in Missouri and a longer history in related paraprofessional roles. He has worked extensively in addiction care and supports people dealing with family problems, intimacy issues, grief, anger, low self-esteem, and career stress. He understands recovery takes time and adapts pace to each person’s needs.

Sessions with Michael focus on clear goals, practical strategies, and steady support. He encourages honest conversations about setbacks and strengths. People who come for help can expect straightforward guidance and joint problem solving.

How Michael’s approaches guide online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the person’s lead, helping the therapist understand what matters most and what goals feel right. It is useful when someone needs a responsive, nonjudgmental space to sort through hard choices.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and uses practical exercises to shift unhelpful patterns. CBT is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress when someone wants concrete strategies they can use between sessions.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused approach that works on processing painful memories and reducing their emotional impact. It can be helpful for people who notice intrusive memories, intense reactions, or ongoing trauma-related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will help the client choose methods based on their goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked in the past. That decision is collaborative and can change as therapy progresses.

Because session formats are not specified in the original biography, confirm available online or in-person options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow for quicker check-ins during a lunch break or between appointments. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises, homework, and pacing to make remote sessions practical and focused on everyday change.

Areas of expertise

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

Credentials

Missouri

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Michael help with?

He supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma, relationship and family problems, grief, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, and related issues such as codependency and communication problems.

How would you describe his therapy style?

He practices a client-centered, solution-focused style that uses clear steps and collaborative goal setting. Sessions emphasize listening, practical tools, and steady encouragement.

What is his background and experience?

Michael has three years as a Licensed Professional Counselor and additional prior paraprofessional experience. Much of his work has been in addiction care and trauma-related problems.

What credentials and location are listed?

He holds the LPC credential (Licensed Professional Counselor) in Missouri and practices there.

Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are offered?

The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking to ensure they meet your needs.

How are costs handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Michael CotterContinue with Michael