Michael Gusack , LPC, LMHC

Michael Gusack, LPC, LMHC, works with people living with chronic illness who are tired of feeling limited by their condition and want practical tools to regain confidence and freedom. He helps clients learn concrete skills to manage setbacks, reduce frustration, and pursue a more satisfying life while addressing anxiety and the emotional effects of major life transitions. His work emphasizes a problem-solving focus grounded in cognitive behavioral medicine delivered in a relaxed, accessible manner.

A published author, he brings extensive clinical experience to each therapeutic relationship and blends structured skill-building with compassionate support. He offers an organized, solution-oriented process aimed at helping clients confront trauma, grief, low self-esteem, depression, addictive patterns, relationship issues, sleep problems, anger, and other challenges that interfere with daily living. He also addresses concerns related to aging, chronic pain and illness, cancer, codependency, panic, phobias, and post-traumatic stress.

He holds LPC and LMHC credentials - Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor - and integrates evidence-informed methods to tailor care to each person, helping them move toward a life that feels less compromised and more personally meaningful.

Therapeutic approaches and online care with Michael Gusack

Michael draws on cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to address a range of concerns. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical exercises and skills training - it is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and coping with chronic illness. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and build psychological flexibility by combining acceptance strategies with committed action - it can be useful for managing chronic pain, life transitions, and persistent worry. He also incorporates EMDR when appropriate to process distressing memories related to trauma.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Michael works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques over time to support progress. He aims to create a tailored plan that balances skill-building with exploration of personal values.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage in that work - through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - which can make it easier to fit consistent care into a busy life, accommodate mobility or health limitations, and maintain continuity during transitions. These options allow licensed professionals to provide regular support and practical strategies without requiring in-person visits.