Ferial Youkhanna, LMSW - Therapist in Michigan

Emotion-focused work
CBT and ACT methods
Speaks English and Arabic

About Ferial

Ferial Youkhanna, LMSW, is a licensed master social worker in Michigan with 24 years of clinical experience. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, depression, trauma and abuse, and grief. She also supports people facing intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem struggles, career challenges, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

She uses Emotionally-Focused Therapy alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based work, client-centered methods, and cognitive behavioral techniques. Sessions focus on noticing emotions, naming patterns, and shifting interactions that keep problems stuck. Conversations are direct and practical, with steps to try between meetings.

Her background includes a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health/Micro Social Work from Wayne State University. The LMSW credential is listed as MI LMSW. She speaks English and Arabic, and also knows Chaldean/Aramaic.

In sessions she often looks at how attachment and emotional patterns affect daily life and relationships. That can include talking through difficult memories, learning new ways to respond when stress flares, and practicing short skills for emotion regulation and communication.

People who seek practical approaches that pay attention to feelings and relationship patterns may find this style useful. To begin, readers should use the site button to view online therapy options and follow the onboarding steps to schedule a first session.

How her approaches translate to online work

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) looks at how emotions and interaction patterns keep problems going. Online sessions using EFT help people name their feelings, notice patterns with partners or others, and try new ways of responding during everyday life.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on values and small practical steps. It helps people accept uncomfortable feelings while making choices that match their values, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues.

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early bonds shape current relationships. In remote sessions this approach identifies attachment reactions and practices new ways of relating that reduce conflict and increase closeness.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. That process may blend EFT, ACT, and cognitive techniques as appropriate.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so please confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy routine, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. They also make it possible to continue working together when schedules or locations change.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also works with

Trauma and abuse Grief Intimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Abandonment Attachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problems Control issues Divorce and separationFirst responder issuesForgiveness Guilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPost-traumatic stress Pregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobia Women's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Imago Relationship Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems

Experience

24+ years

Listed in

Michigan

Languages

English, Arabic

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy issues, eating or sleeping problems, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem, career challenges, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

What is her therapeutic approach or style?

She uses Emotionally-Focused Therapy alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based approaches, client-centered methods, and cognitive behavioral techniques to focus on emotions and relationship patterns.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 24 years of experience working in mental health settings and with people facing a wide range of concerns.

What credential and location are listed?

She is listed as an MI LMSW, practicing in Michigan.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Arabic; she also knows Chaldean/Aramaic.

Can international clients work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are session fees handled?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.