Michael Pfisterer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SC

Licensed

Online Counseling

(87 reviews)

LCSW, LISW, CP Michael Pfisterer

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

Mental health conditions are real, common and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Michael Pfisterer is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

More about me

Licensing: LCSW, LISW, CP Years in Practice: 12 State: South Carolina

I look to help you identify your strengths and utilize them so that you can achieve your desired outcomes. My approach is to utilize multidimensional psychodynamic tools based upon your life course and inherent difficulties. In conjunction with the client, goals will be developed and guidance will be provided in order to achieve the optimal short term gains and long term objectives. Change is achieved through solution focused and task based theories to help achieve change. These tools can be particularly helpful for those coping with negative thought patterns, depression, anxiety, developmental differences, executive functioning difficulties and challenges associated with trauma and transitions.

My practice has entailed work with a wide variety of individuals and focused upon the needs of each person. I have also engaged in practice with individuals with autism, those impacted by a wide range of environmental challenges as well as those having difficulty making life transitions. I have also participated in family based crisis management, helped families develop a range of techniques to improve relationships with their significant others and acted as a conduit between family members coping with trauma.

I live with my wife, daughters and two dogs and have a passion for helping others. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you have your aspirations align with your actions!

About online counseling

Online counseling allows you to receive care from an online mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Issues: Stress Anxiety Parenting issues Depression Addictions LGBT Relationship issues Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Grief Intimacy-related issues Eating disorders Sleeping disorders Anger management Self esteem Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue
Languages Spoken: English

Services offered

Professional, confidential, and judgment-free

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

Please note: It can take up to 24-48 hours to be matched to a therapist.

Reviews for Michael Pfisterer

Overall Rating

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Overall

I love that Michael is practical and really listens to the core of the issue.

Somehow Mike is able to keep track of the trends in my life despite the constant changes and only talking once a month (often less). But every time we sit down together he has insightful questions for me and challenges me in good ways. I'm so glad I found him!

This is not my first review for Michael Pfisterer and I can only continue sharing positive words :-) I feel that Mike is dedicated to a healthy accompaniment of you on your life's journey and in your story, and he's a loyal, reliable source of professional knowledge without sounding superior or patronizing, instead he can find the tone and voice with you that will gently support you and stay with you in your wisdom-storage. I feel that Mike is encouraging and supporting you to be a happy independent thinker and a strong self-carer whilst also being there for you. Mike is also a human, just like you, and I find that reassuring.

He is super down to earth and understanding! No judgment

Michael is very present and well versed in empathetic listening. I admire his ability to focus on my strengths. I feel I have a coach in my corner, not just a therapist. If I had to describe him in one word I would say “Present” , he is very centered and relaxed in his approach. He is also great at checking in.

Good expeience! Micheal was helpful in giving me life tools I can use moving forward.

Although I couldn't stay on the website very long, Mike has been extremely helpful. He has a genuine heart for helping people. I'm thankful for him.

This is some work I’ve been needing to start for awhile. It’s a nice format and I feel Mike was a thoughtful match and is a good and thorough therapist. I like the platform and the way you can regularly interact with a therapist. Mike is good about getting back to me with thoughtful responses and giving me perspective. It’s tough to find a therapist that’s a good fit- and even a good fit doesn’t compare in consistency and cost efficacy to PrideCounseling... sometimes the commute to therapy alone can make me so discombobulated that I forget what I want to discuss. Having ongoing and easy access to therapy keeps the sessions relevant and focused on the issues I’m dealing with.

I am so very grateful for the help I received from Mike Pfisterer (LCSW). I sadly went through some very big loses in a very short time and spun out of control on many levels. Mike helped me realize so many thing , he truly has made an impact on my life that will stay with me always. Mike has helped me with grief, survivors guilt, addiction and my anxiety issues. I would highly recommend Mike on all of those issues, and even more for his kindness and true compassion. Thank you Mike! I will definitely use this service again when I need to and I would only hope that Mike will be here, but I know I could turn to him if I needed. Mike is a true asset to Pridecounseling.

Continue the good work, Mike!

He’s awesome

Mike is great!

Michael has been extremely helpful with all of my problems. He always listens and helps me through tough times

I don't know where I would be without a professional to talk to weekly like Mike. Currently the waiting time for gender surgery is about seven years in my country's national healthcare system and I had about one spent so far. That is a very very long time and you want to believe that you can somehow still live a meaningful life in the meantime too. But that requires meticulous attention to your mental and emotional wellbeing, constantly setting and then resetting your plans in the meantime no matter how small scale, never giving up when you get misgendered or you have to go to an environment where you have to hide your gender identity and strongly processing the loss, all the years you mourn from your life you had to live under a false gender image. Mike is a great companion for this kind of journey, as one needs to be most patient with those waiting for gender reassignment and also 'crazy' optimistic and always encouraging. Thank you, God bless.

There are a lot of options on who to choose for your therapist on this app and I strongly urge you to choose Michael. He's been fantastic

I have been with Michael Pfisterer as a client for some months now here on BetterHelp and what I can say is that it's been truly life changing - to the positive :-) I am dealing with many challenges in my life, at the same time and in multiple areas, so a calm, collected/wise but still friendly and relatable voice like Michael's, I find, is essential to keep thriving. Thank you :-)

Mike is very perceptive and insightful and provides very practical useful advice

Mike asks important questions and consistently offers support throughout all our sessions. He helps me stay focused on the present and reminds me not to be so harsh on myself. I'm pretty darn thankful to have him as my therapist.

Mike has been absolutely amazing, from the very first session it felt comfortable and like a conversation rather than an interview. He really focusing on the here and now and steps to take to to improve. He asked great questions and helps you see all sides and different perspectives of your problems. I would highly recommend Mike to anyone!

Wonderful man, very kind and listens to my words. He offers good advice and seems very capable

Mike is very easy to talk with and is always kind and positive. Great to work out problems with.

Mike has been such a welcomed part of my life. He has helped me through some tough rough patches that I couldn't identify how to navigate. His insightfulness has really helped with the good times and the bad.

I’ve had 3 therapists in the past few years and Mike is the first one whose sessions leave me feeling confident and capable of doing what I need to do to better myself. Can’t recommend him enough, thanks Mike

Mike keeps the session organized which I appreciate. He says to "come prepared" and I like this approach . . . discuss specific issues one at a time and move on. I've had therapists in the past that were disorganized and rambling, but not Mike. I'll continue to see Mike.

Just starting and Mike is already helping me understand myself more. It’s nice to feel understood and not judged.

very professional, empathetic, provides a realistic path to improvement in mental/emotional health.

Mike is relatable - very down to earth and easy to discuss any topic with. I especially like that he checks in on me between sessions and that he challenges me to take action in areas I need to improve.

Mike is amazing! He gets it and gets me! I was a train wreck before I met him and we started working together now my life is coming together perfectly. Pick HIM!!!

He has been an absolute pleasure to work with. He hears me, and gives great feedback during our sessions that continue to push me to come to conclusions. Would highly recommend him.

Mike was great. He was a good listener and helped me sort out all the various things I was feeling. I would highly recommend him. I only needed one session but if I ever need more I would like to reconnect with him. He is the kind of therapist you hope you get.

Very good listener who takes the time to carefully craft a well rounded response. Very kind.

He’s exceptional

Great guy, very helpful

Mike is approachable and caring and real! I love our sessions because I know he will get down to the root of things and push me to actionable next steps. Culturally aware, anti-racist, and non-judgemental. Thanks, Mike!

He is a really down to earth guy and respects my issues.

Mike has a method of looking forward instead of dwelling on the past. At first I didn't understand how not talking about the past to fix the future would help, but after a few weeks it was apparent Mike knew exactly what he was doing. I find myself not dwelling, but more preparing and looking to the future state. His methods are really helpful and he has really great insight on a number of topics. I strongly recommend Mike.

Mike is reasonable, personable, and a great listener. Definitely enjoy meeting with him regularly, and find it beneficial.

Mike is very helpful and understanding. He allows you process your thoughts and is easy to discuss life situations and feelings with. I feel he actively listens to your concerns and offers great advice.

Very understanding and has very helpful thoughts to share.

Mike Pfisterer is one of the best or is the best therapists I've ever had the pleasure of working with. His solution based therapy has helped me to overcome many obstacles in my life as well as fears that I have experienced. He is great with dealing with life changes, grief, anxiety as well as substance abuse issues. He is one of the best therapists on Better Help and I highly recommend his services. I have used him a few times over the last 3 years and he is very understanding and compassionate. He does therapy in a way that is different than other therapists that I can not quite pinpoint what it is, but it works. He has an impeccable memory for remembering what his clients have told him. Even going back 2-3 yesrs, he still recalls with almost perfect details, things I have stated. I am very happy to have found this counselor on Better Help and I have chosen to buy a membership here rather than utilize one that my insurance will pay for as he is well worth the membership costs. Thank you again.

He knew exact question to ask me to have me reflect on my choices and situations of conflicts. I love how he works, how he listens, how he responds and… it was very useful and helpful. Thank you

He has been excellent in the few sessions we’ve had together so far. I’m very happy with how well he listens and really hears what I’m saying and offers legitimate good advice

Very understanding and relatable. It feels like I'm talking to someone who's experienced some of things I've been through or is at the very least very empathetic to them. It's like he's been at my level before and pulled himself up and is teaching me to do the same. I always leave our sessions feeling better than when we start.

Mike Pfisterer is extremely professional and breaks things down for me without talking down to me. Besides being extremely encouraging, he is able to push me out of my comfort zone and deal with what is at the core of whatever issue I have going on. He has been an incredible resource throughout this pandemic. Very grateful.

Mike is a therapist I trust & respect. His advice is specific towards my needs, wants & goals but he also has a great hold of the general ideas of life.

I was able to see Mike Pfisterer for 8 weeks, he helped me deal with some anger issues that have been impacting work a litte, but primarily at home with my husband. We also moved on to discuss some other issues that were impacting me and my marriage. In the past 20 years I have had 9 counselors, the longest last 4 years. All, but Mike, have been in person. I can honestly say that Mike has shown the most skill with working with my personality and has shown himself to have strong ethics and competency. I have had some great therapists over the years, in terms of the kind of people they were, but their technique hadn't necessarily jived with me. Mike was empathetic and kind, but ALSO had skills that fit me well and I feel like I've learned more in 8 weeks than I have with any counselor in the past 20 years. I would recommend Mike Pfisterer in a heartbeat. I plan on coming back, when I am financially able. Better Help offers great deals, however we have little to no income at the moment.

What is there not to say about him. He helped me coupe thru one of the toughest times of my life. I truly appreciate him. Thank you Mike.

Today was my last day of counseling with Mike. I have seen him almost every week for the last year which was the worst year of my life. I cannot say enough how much he has helped me, how appreciative I am for him and what he and this service has done for me. We have communicated through text, phone calls and video chats. He has always responded quickly and even seen me when he technically didn't have appointments available. I am so very grateful for his time, energy and effort in helping me to grow, work through and handle all of the challenges this last year has thrown at me. I could not have done it without him. Thank you betterhelp. Thank you Mike.

This was my first time trying therapy, and with Mike, I’ve gained so much clarity in more than one area of my life! He is a deep listener with a patient demeanor that puts me at ease to share. He often challenged me to think critically about my emotions, what I hoped to accomplish when making decisions, and the realistic options I had to get there - these methods have helped me with thinking through problems beyond our sessions!

Mike is a wonderful counselor. On day one I told him what I was looking for in terms of personal goals and qualities I’d like to see in a therapist- particularly I needed a counselor who is able to hold me accountable and who hears what i says and challenges me to take it deeper- and he does just that. He is great at encouraging self-discovery by giving reassurance and then he asks, “what now?” I feel very comfortable in sessions with him. He is completely non-judgemental. He’s great at what he does.

Mike makes me feel so comfortable and provides me perspective that really makes a difference!

A great listener and speaker

Good counselor

Mike has been very helpful in my process of dealing with my issues and learning healthy coping mechanisms. He is reliable, prompt, respectful and a very good counselor.

Mike is patient and knowledgable. Never takes things too lightly or too seriously. Highly recommend.

He's wonderful - he provokes you to think for yourself so you can understand for yourself better.

Mike helps me a lot and answers all my questions and reads all my journal reports. When I schedule an appointment he is always on time

My counselor, Mike Pfisterer is patient with me and I can be trying at times. He listens and lets me speak my feelings and fears. He never tells me what to do but offers suggestions. I appreciate when he takes the time to explain certain things to me. I personally feel he is very good and am happy he was chosen as my therapist.

Mike is professional and personable. He is easy to talk to and I have already noticed progress in my own life with his help.

Mike is an intelligent and compassionate therapist. He is easy to talk to and provides a unique perspective to my issues. I plan to work with him longer term.

Mike is fantastic. Of course, it's uncomfortable when he points out exactly what you were running from, but as soon as we move through the thoughts, you realize how nice it was to digest it. He is very respectful, understanding, and what I appreciate most, is that he puts events into a different light for you when you're struggle-bus-ing.

Mike is awesome. He responds quickly and always checks in. Full of great advice.

It’s not easy to write a review about Mike because there are simply no words to adequately describe all the ways that he has helped me and how truly grateful I am to have worked with him. Although I was initially a bit reluctant, I came to Mike needing guidance and advice on a number of tough things. He not only provided both but he did so in a way that eased my worries about counseling and therapy altogether. Mike actually listens and genuinely cares. Whether I was in a time of crisis or I just needed a friendly voice, Mike was there all the same. He provided me with the tools and resources I needed to begin moving through some tough stuff. Mike provides remarkable and nonjudgmental care. I am so thankful for Mike and I could not speak more highly of him. If you have the opportunity to work with Mike, consider yourself lucky and know that you are in very, very good hands.

I couldn't ask for a better counselor. This was my first time with therapy and Mike made me feel so comfortable, always checked in with me, and speaking with him gave me a whole new perspective! I highly recommend Mike to anyone.

In just a few sessions, easily the best therapy I’ve received - better than any even in person therapy I’ve tried.

I've never been able to really stick with therapy and find someone I can relate to. It's always been hard for me to find anyone I could open up to and talk about things. Mike makes it so easy! He's thorough, gives you goals, is flexible and checks and responds to you constantly! Mike might be my favorite therapist of all time. Couldn't recommend more!

Mike is a wonderful man with great insights to share. He is very warm and polite in his conversations and an amazing listener. I highly recommend Mike for everyone who is new to counseling. He is very punctual and replies in a timely manner and never loose the conversation. I had a wonderful experience working with him and he has been a great help.

Mike a good counselor. He listens and makes it easy to talk to him and has helped me though a lot of things.

Mike is courteous and has a pleasant demeanor. He provides helpful life advice and encourages you to look at yourself with a different lense.

Mike's been my therapist for well over a year now and since then it's really given me the space to evolve emotionally. It's given me a bit of a safe space where I can express myself freely (which has been very beneficial) and I'm much better and more confident at setting boundaries.

Mike has helped me break down all of the thoughts and feelings that I have and is helping me learn to move forward. Normally I just let feelings bog me down, but I'm starting to learn to be okay with feeling them and then continuing on.

Mike is kind, intelligent, and personable.

Excellent therapist. I feel very comfortable.

I had my first session with Mike and I was impressed at his intellect and listening skills. He has a good comfortable vibe about him that makes you feel you can say anything you need to say without shame or judgement. I'd recommend him highly. I've had him as a counselor for about a week he answers texts in a timely fashion as well.

I worked with Mike to get over issues of anxiety that I had been dealing with and I must say that he was a tremendous help who helped me get into a far better place than I was in when I started. He was a true gentleman to work with and always kept my requests and needs in mind, helping me reach conclusions that I could not have come to without him. Mike is a great counselor and anyone is lucky to work with him! Thanks so much!

I have never had therapy before. I knew that I needed it from a long time ago. When my mother passed away, I was triggered and became depressed. I knew that I had to get some help to cope with a lot of emotional pain and grieving. Mike really got me through the funeral and its aftermath. I am glad that Mike is counseling me again, it has been very helpful. I can always tell when it's time for me to have a session. I would highly recommend Mike.

Mike sticks to the point and conveys his ideas clearly.

Mike has been a cornerstone in my mental transformation and I have immediately seen the difference and positivity in my life. I am extremely thankful for Mike’s partnership and guidance.

Mike has helped me though so much.. I've suffered with depression and anxiety for 15+ years and had numerous therapists. Mike is the only therapist I would recommend. He is supportive, but doesn't coddle you and really works with you through your issues rather than tell you what you're doing wrong. He is truly a blessing in my life and I can honestly say that I don't know if I'd be here if I hadn't been matched with him. Mike, if you read this....thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You are truly an angel.

Mike is an extremely open minded person who listens to what’s on your mind and tries to make certain situations relatable. He is very keen on figuring out what your concerns are and how to best approach the situation together or through best practices individually. He’s been extraordinarily helpful!

Mike is a good listener and is very respectful in the way he communicates his insights.

Mike is very good at helping me break down the components of my problems and my emotional reactions to them. I'm an analytical person by nature so I really appreciate this quality in a therapist.

I am really happy to have been paired up with Mike. I feel that I can open up to him about anything and he isn't judging and tries to give the best advice as well as asking questions to get you to really think about certain things and try to figure things out. Anything that I talk to him about, he addresses everything. I really like that he asks questions and when he responds back, it isn't just a few short words here and there. You can tell he really is taking the time to reply back and help as much as he can. I trust him enough to open up to him about everything that I need and want to talk about.

Mike Pfisterer is a gentleman and a true professional. He takes in all the thoughts and feelings I write to him and addresses every single one. He also makes it even more helpful by making suggested references to other professionals who are experts in their field. I believe that Mike is truly taking every case he has and making it individualized to what the client requires in order to get the best results and just to help. I trust in his abilities and feel very confident in disclosing my thoughts with him. Thanks Mike.

I'm really glad I got paired with Mike when I joined BetterHelp. The tools he's given me to manage stress have been very helpful and I will continue to use them. He has been very encouraging and kind and gives me thoughtful responses which I always look forward to reading. If you're looking for a compassionate and supportive counselor, you can't go wrong with Mike.

Mike has been super attentive and consistent in his support. He asks good questions and spends time responding in a caring and clear way. I've really enjoyed my sessions with him so far and highly recommend him!

I asked Mike to have shorter messages so for me it easy to communicate and not to feel obligated to answer all questions. And he comfortably switched to my needs. He understands me very well

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