Hello. My name is Michael Knapik and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Vermont. I am also certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors. I have been working in the mental health field since 2007. (Before pursuing this career, I was a professional journalist for 30 years.)
My orientation is to focus on a client’s strengths, because I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives and that the role of therapy is most often to assist clients in fully recognizing and using those strengths.
My approach to therapy is eclectic. I draw on resources and interventions from positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, emotional freedom techniques, solution-focused therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and family systems.
I have experience working with those who are struggling with anxiety, stress, addictive disorders, grief and loss, end-of-life issues (I was a hospice volunteer for 16 years), depression, and self-harming behaviors.
For today, my hope is that you have compassion for yourself. As Christopher Germer, a psychologist, has remarked:
“A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.”
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Compassion fatigue, Aging and geriatric issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Drug and alcohol addiction, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
VA LPC 0701005243
VT LCMHC 068.0134104
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Michael Knapik. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I didn't expect Better Help and Michael Knapik to be as helpful to me nor help in the ways that they did. Give therapy with Michael a try! Sometimes you have to act your way into a new way of thinking rather than think your way into a new way of acting!
Written on Aug 26, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, coping with life changes, and intimacy-related issues
Michael is insightful and in his responses he considers my strong faith background and incorporates it into possible strategies for me to try. I respect his professionalism and calm manner of redirecting me when needed,
Written on May 24, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 1 month on issues concerning coping with life changes
Michael is a wonderful therapist and a caring listener. He helped me with many tools to bring mindfulness and restore calmness to my life. He is very patient and kind and I would highly recommend him.
Written on Jan 01, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Mike is great. He always is patient and pleasant with me, even when I'm upset. And he provides great advice. I look forward to our sessions together.
Written on Nov 15, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder
Great listener! Always a good session of understanding.
Written on Oct 08, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Fantastic counselor, I have been extremely impressed and experienced significant personal growth
Written on Aug 19, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and intimacy-related issues