Michael Cummings, LCSW

Michael Cummings is a licensed clinical social worker who practices from Kentucky. He brings two decades of experience to sessions and favors a direct, down-to-earth style. He is warm and encouraging while also practical, using plain language so people can act on what they learn. He enjoys the outdoors and draws on that grounded perspective when helping people cope with everyday stressors.

He commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. He also uses acceptance and commitment therapy to help people clarify values and take meaningful action. Mindfulness and client-centered techniques are woven in to support calmer attention and a collaborative relationship.

Michael has experience in addiction work, grief and bereavement, trauma and abuse, and long-term stress and burnout. He has provided care in hospice settings and in federal and state roles supporting veterans, and he has served on a healthcare ethics board. That background shapes a practical focus on coping, motivation, and recovery.

In sessions he leans toward hands-on strategies like behavior planning, sleep-focused techniques, and communication practice. He helps people set small, realistic goals and uses measurable steps to track progress. Humor and straightforward feedback are part of his style when appropriate.

People meet him for help with anxiety, depression, relationship friction, parenting strain, sleep problems, substance concerns, and issues around guilt, shame, or life purpose. He offers video, phone, chat, and messaging formats and works with people across locations, including international clients.

How CBT and Acceptance Work Online

Michael commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and change the behaviors that keep problems going. CBT often involves setting small goals, keeping simple records of thoughts and actions, and practicing new skills between sessions. Acceptance and commitment therapy focuses on clarifying what matters most and taking committed actions toward those values while learning to accept difficult feelings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael treats therapy as a collaboration - the therapist and client discuss goals, try methods, and adjust based on what helps. He uses agreed-upon exercises and checks in on what is working so the plan fits the person’s needs and preferences.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to support different rhythms of work. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and real-time practice. Phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in is needed. Chat and messaging are useful for quick skill reminders, brief check-ins, or when someone prefers written reflection. These options give flexibility to fit therapy around work, family, travel, or daily routines.