Michael Peterson, LCSW - Therapist in Illinois

Stress and anxiety
Addictions support
ACT and CBT methods

About Michael

Michael Peterson is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with five years of counseling experience. He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and related concerns including depression and ADHD. Sessions focus on practical steps people can take to manage hard moments and make choices that fit their lives.

He describes a straightforward, conversational style. Sessions often start with what feels most urgent and move toward small, measurable steps. Michael draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to spot unhelpful thoughts, and uses acceptance and mindfulness approaches to reduce struggle with difficult feelings.

Before becoming a counselor he worked in several social work roles such as case worker and crisis clinician. That background influences how he responds in moments of high stress and how he helps people plan for real-world challenges. He aims to apply approaches that fit day-to-day life rather than lengthy theory.

In sessions he also uses motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques to clarify goals and build small habits. People who want concrete tools for anxiety, relationship stress, substance concerns, or life transitions can expect short-term strategies alongside conversations about values and what matters to them.

Michael offers care in English and practices in Illinois. He asks new clients to complete a short questionnaire before scheduling a first session so sessions can begin with clear goals and practical next steps.

How ACT, CBT and client-centered work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and then identifying values-based actions people want to take. It can help with anxiety, avoidance, and decisions about substance use. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at connections between thoughts, feelings and actions and teaches skills to test and change unhelpful thinking patterns, which often helps with social anxiety and mood symptoms. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, listening stance that helps people speak through what matters and decide next steps.

Choosing the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. The therapist will ask about current problems, goals, and what has or hasn’t worked before, and then suggest methods to try. Adjustments are made as work proceeds so techniques match the person's pace and needs.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counseling around work, caregiving, or travel. They also allow brief check-ins when a longer visit isn’t possible and let people use mindfulness or exposure practices in familiar settings without needing extra travel time.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Grief Depression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgiveness Guilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesIsolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issues Mood disorders Multicultural concerns Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Listed in

Illinois

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he help with?

He helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, ADHD and related concerns such as relationship or parenting strain.

What is his general approach in sessions?

He works in a conversational, practical way using strategies from CBT, ACT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing and solution-focused methods to set goals and build small steps.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has five years of counseling experience and has worked in roles such as case worker and crisis clinician prior to his counseling practice.

What are his credentials and where does he practice?

He is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and provides services based in that state.

Which languages are sessions available in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can I work with him from outside the United States?

He is not accepting international clients at this time.

How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?

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

How do I begin a first session?

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