Mike Petagna, LPC

Mike Petagna is an Arizona licensed professional counselor (LPC) with eight years of practice. He helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, addictions, parenting pressures, low self-esteem, or major life changes. He presents a calm, respectful approach that focuses on concrete steps people can try between sessions.

He uses plain talk and practical tools rather than jargon. Sessions are shaped to fit each person's situation and goals. Mike listens for what matters most and suggests small changes that build over time.

His work draws on methods that target thoughts, behavior, and coping skills. He pairs short-term problem solving with strategies for handling strong emotions and impulses. That mix can help people manage day-to-day stress and make steady progress toward clearer priorities.

Mike aims to support people who want a more fulfilling and manageable life. He avoids one-size-fits-all plans and instead crafts a personalized path with the client. The goal is steady improvement, not instant fixes.

Respect, sensitivity, and compassion guide his interactions. He encourages clients to try new skills, reflect on what helps, and adjust the plan as needed. If someone is ready to take a step toward change, he offers practical support and accountability along the way.

How specific approaches translate to online work

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and trying different behaviors to change how someone feels. It is often used for anxiety, stress, and habits that keep people stuck. DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, emphasizes skills for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and handling interpersonal challenges. It can help when strong feelings or impulsive behaviors make daily life harder. Solution-Focused Therapy centers on immediate goals and practical steps; sessions concentrate on what people want to change and small actions that move them forward.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then suggest options. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, help maintain momentum between face-to-face contacts, and allow shorter check-ins when that suits a day. It also avoids travel time and can make it simpler to schedule around work, childcare, or other commitments. Licensed professionals can adapt CBT, DBT, and solution-focused techniques to an online setting to keep work practical and goal driven.