- Client-centered care
- Memory and grief
- Practical coping steps
About Michaela
Dr. Michaela Hammer uses a client-centered approach to guide people through major life transitions. She focuses on clear, practical work that helps people sort out grief, relationship strain, anxiety, mood changes, and the everyday challenges that come with change. Her goal is to help people move forward with dignity and renewed hope.
She has 35 years of experience as an LCSW and works from a blend of approaches, including cognitive behavioral ideas and solution-focused strategies. That means sessions often involve identifying unhelpful patterns, trying small changes, and setting concrete steps to test what helps. Motivational interviewing and trauma-focused methods are part of her toolkit when needed.
Hammer also offers support for memory concerns and cognitive functioning assessments. She says not all memory loss is permanent and aims to share research and resources while exploring next steps with each person. She has run memory clinics and routinely performs depression and anxiety assessments.
Her background includes providing counseling in offices, homes, schools, retirement communities, nursing homes, and hospitals. She has worked across many cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and has led in-services on cultural awareness and aging issues.
She also provides counseling for bereavement around the loss of a pet, an area she developed after receiving referrals from veterinarians and medical professionals. Her practice reflects long experience helping people cope with loss and major life shifts.
How therapeutic approaches guide online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following what matters most to the person, helping them name priorities and choose next steps that feel doable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and tests small, practical changes to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on stabilizing difficult memories and reactions, then helping people build skills to feel more in control.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to identify goals and try methods that fit their needs and preferences. If something doesn’t help, adjustments are made together so the work stays useful and focused on what the person wants to achieve.
The biography does not list which online session formats are provided, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make therapy easier to fit into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. It can also let sessions happen from a quieter place, or provide options that don’t require being on camera, depending on what the therapist offers.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Credentials
Florida, New Mexico
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist address?
She helps people with relationship problems, grief, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, parenting concerns, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and many life changes including coping with natural or human-caused disaster.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is client-centered and practical, drawing on cognitive behavioral ideas, solution-focused work, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused methods to set goals and test small changes.
What is her professional background?
She brings 35 years of experience working in clinical settings, schools, retirement communities, nursing homes, and hospitals, and has run memory clinics and provided community education on aging and cultural awareness.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds the LCSW credential and is licensed as an LCSW in Florida and New Mexico. Her practice is based in Florida.
Which languages are supported and can international clients work together?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.