Michael Stier, LCPC, LPC is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Missouri and Georgia. He specializes in the application of evidence-based treatments, specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), for the treatment of OCD and related anxiety disorders. By integrating mindfulness-based and metacognitive strategies, Michael helps clients increase motivation and develop the insight necessary to deepen the impact of exposure-based interventions.

Clinical Leadership and Professional Training

In his role as the Director of Education and Training at Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, Michael oversees the clinical development of the staff to ensure the highest standard of evidence-based care. He provides individual and group consultation to clinicians and organizes professional trainings on complex specialty topics. Michael is also a recognized leader in the global clinical community, serving as faculty for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI). In this capacity, he provides professional consultation and education to clinicians around the world and presents his expertise at major conferences each summer.

Specialization in Health Anxiety

Michael is a leading expert in the treatment of health anxiety and medical-related phobias, such as fears involving blood, needles, and medical procedures. He is the co-author of the book “The Complete Guide to Overcoming Health Anxiety,” available in paperback, ebook, and audio book formats, and maintains an extensive educational resource website at OvercomingHealthAnxiety.com. His work focuses on helping individuals distinguish between medical symptoms and anxiety-driven sensations to break the cycle of reassurance-seeking.

Media and Educational Resources

Michael is a prolific contributor to mental health media, frequently appearing as a guest expert to discuss OCD and health anxiety. 

• The OCD Stories: https://theocdstories.com/episode/michael-508/
• NOCD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDhlMbqvkLk
• Purely OCD: Health Anxiety and Health OCD series
• ADAA: Ask the Authors Q&A: Overcoming Health Anxiety
• The Knowledge Tree: On-demand professional trainings including Don’t Take the Bait: Functional Analysis for OCD and Overcoming Health Anxiety.
• Fearcast: https://fearcastpodcast.com/2024/02/25/health-anxiety-3/
• Your Anxiety Toolkit: https://youtu.be/xLkGAd1-WKU?si=iygUr1YjXxWxGyjv

Scrupulosity and Faith-Based Initiatives

Michael has a dedicated interest in treating “Pure O” subtypes of OCD, with a specific focus on religious and moral scrupulosity. He serves as an active member of the IOCDF Faith and Action Council, where he works to bridge the gap between mental health treatment and faith communities. His work in this area includes the ongoing organization and development of the annual Faith and OCD Conference, providing resources for those navigating the intersection of their faith and their recovery.

Background and Personal Life

Before joining Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, Michael owned and operated a specialized private practice in Illinois. A lifelong resident of the St. Louis area, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons. He is often joined in session by his two Boston Terriers, Fred and Edith, who serve as his snoring co-therapists. Outside of his clinical work, Michael is an espresso aficionado, a dedicated ice hockey fan and player (Let’s Go Blues!), and enjoys classic comedies such asThe Office, Parks and Recreation, and Seinfeld.