Michael Dykes, LCSW, CSW

Michael Dykes is a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of experience helping people facing stress, anxiety, addiction concerns, trauma, and depression. He frames clients as experts in their own story and looks for existing strengths to build on. He recognizes that starting therapy can feel hard and aims to make that first step feel worthwhile.

In sessions he listens closely and centers the client’s goals. He uses plain language and practical feedback so people can try new ways of coping between meetings. Conversations focus on what matters most right now, and on small changes that add up.

His background includes two decades of practice in Georgia, with work across substance-related concerns, trauma and abuse, and mood concerns. That experience has shaped a flexible approach that blends different methods to fit each person. He draws from client-centered and cognitive behavioral ideas to help people name patterns and test new behaviors.

Michael also incorporates mindfulness and trauma-focused perspectives when addressing intense stress or past wounds. Those methods are used to help people manage overwhelming feelings and reconnect with their sense of agency. He aims to create a steady pace so progress feels manageable.

People come to him for a range of struggles, including relationship stress, parenting strain, grief, chronic health challenges, and work-related burnout. He works with matters like anger, self-esteem, eating and sleeping problems, and the effects of major life changes. The emphasis is on practical steps and clear goals that fit daily life.

How therapeutic approaches shape online work

Michael draws on client-centered therapy to put the person’s priorities first. That approach emphasizes listening, reflecting, and helping people name their own goals so sessions follow what matters most to them.

He also uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavioral changes. CBT tools can help with anxiety, low mood, addictive behaviors, and everyday stress by giving concrete strategies to try between meetings.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. He works together with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative planning can change over time as new concerns or priorities emerge.

The practical benefit of online work is that therapy can be easier to fit into a busy week. Confirm the available session formats before booking so you know how meetings will be scheduled. Online options can make it simpler to have shorter check-ins, avoid travel time, or keep therapy consistent during life changes without promising any specific format.