- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
About Derek
Derek Bakay is an LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York with 15 years of clinical experience. He works with adults on issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, career concerns, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting, and coping with life changes. He also addresses topics like caregiver stress, blended family issues, and challenges linked to chronic illness and aging.
Derek uses straightforward, practical talk therapy. Sessions focus on what is happening now and on clear steps forward. He draws on Client-Centered Therapy to listen and reflect, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot and change unhelpful thinking and behavior, and Solution-Focused Therapy to set short-term, achievable goals.
In conversations he prioritizes respect and direct feedback. Clients can expect a mix of exploring problems and working on specific strategies. He pays attention to day-to-day routines, communication patterns, and decisions that influence family life and career paths.
Derek often helps people who are handling role changes, becoming a stepparent, managing co-parenting strains, or adjusting to life after illness. He also supports men facing midlife or fatherhood questions, and caregivers coping with ongoing stress.
Practical tools, homework when helpful, and clear goal-setting are common features of his work. To begin, clients complete an intake questionnaire and schedule an initial session to clarify priorities and plan next steps.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Derek combines Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy in ways that work in remote sessions. Client-Centered Therapy means he listens closely and reflects back what matters most to the client; this helps clarify values and priorities. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors, which often becomes practical homework between sessions. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on setting small, measurable goals and tracking progress over a few sessions.Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. He will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences, and adjust plans as needed. Early sessions are used to set priorities and agree on short-term steps to try together.
The format of online sessions is not specified in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy routine, allow quicker check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also supports using in-the-moment examples from daily life and assigning practical exercises that can be tried between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address?
Derek works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, career matters, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting stress, and coping with life changes. He also lists blended family issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness adjustment, and aging concerns.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses a straightforward, interactive approach that combines listening with active problem-solving. Techniques include reflective, goal-focused dialogue and practical skill-building.
How much experience does he have?
He has 15 years of experience working as a clinician in a range of settings.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is an LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor licensed in New York and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Does he work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your initial session to begin.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.