- Relationship struggles
- Memory assessments
- Pet grief counseling
About Michaela
Dr. Michaela Hammer is an LCSW with 35 years of clinical experience based in Florida. She focuses on relationship problems, grief, depression, anxiety, anger, stress, and life transitions. She also works with memory loss and cognitive functioning concerns and supports people facing caregiving and aging issues.
She describes transitions as times when expectations and reality collide. She helps people separate common myths about memory, mood, and aging from the facts. Her approach emphasizes clear information, practical steps, and ongoing support rather than quick labels.
Dr. Hammer provides memory loss and cognitive functioning assessments and shares research and resources with people as they look for answers. She notes that not all memory loss is permanent and that routine depression and anxiety assessments can help map a way forward.
She has worked in many settings including offices, homes, schools, retirement communities, nursing homes, and hospitals. Over three decades she has offered in-service training on cultural awareness and aging and helped set up memory clinics.
Her work also includes counseling for people grieving the death of a companion animal, a service she developed after receiving referrals from veterinarians and medical providers. She treats grief about both two-legged and four-legged losses with the same attention.
Her family history and long career inform her direct, experience-based style. She aims to provide resources, education, and steady support while helping people make practical changes in everyday life.
How her approaches shape online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting back what matters to the person, helping them clarify goals and options. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and offers concrete strategies to reduce symptoms and change unhelpful patterns. Motivational Interviewing helps when someone feels stuck or uncertain by exploring ambivalence and strengthening motivation for change.Deciding which approach fits best is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to identify goals and try methods that match those goals. Adjustments are made over time based on what is helpful and what is not.
The profile does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counseling around work, caregiving, or medical appointments. They also allow for shorter check-ins when a full session is not needed, and phone sessions can be useful when video is difficult. Talk with the therapist about practical needs and scheduling so sessions can fit into everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
Florida, New Mexico
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, anger, stress, parenting and life transitions among other concerns listed in her profile.
Which therapeutic approaches does she use?
Her documented approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 35 years of experience providing counseling, assessments, and in-service training in a range of settings.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an LCSW practicing in Florida with the credential listed as LCSW and locations noted in her profile.
Does she work in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the profile does not specify session formats.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.