- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship and intimacy
- CBT and narrative
About Michael
Michael Southerland is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 12 years of professional experience. He works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, LGBT-related concerns, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and depression. He frames clients as the experts of their own stories and focuses on practical steps forward.
Michael approaches sessions with a focus on listening and clarifying what matters most to each person. He uses plain conversation to map strengths and identify patterns that keep problems active. Sessions often include straightforward techniques to test new behaviors between meetings and review what helped.
His method draws on evidence-informed ideas like cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thoughts and narrative approaches to reframe personal stories. Solution-focused steps are used to set short-term goals and track progress week to week. Client-centered practices shape the way sessions are paced and led by the client’s priorities.
People come to him for a range of concerns beyond anxiety and depression, including attachment and abandonment issues, adoption and foster care questions, aging and geriatric topics, body image, codependency, communication and commitment difficulties, and struggles related to kink or alternative sexual culture. He also works with issues that overlap, such as substance use, eating concerns, and co-morbid conditions.
Sessions are conducted in English and reflect his California licensure. Prospective clients are encouraged to review session options and the booking steps before scheduling a first appointment.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions can help
Client-centered therapy starts from what the person brings and follows their lead. It focuses on listening closely and adjusting the pace to what feels manageable, which is useful for people who find social situations draining or overwhelming. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical exercises to test and change unhelpful thinking patterns. Narrative therapy helps people tell their story differently and spot recurring themes that shape how they respond to social stressors.Figuring out which approach fits best is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped in the past, and then suggest ways to try different techniques together. That collaborative fit is checked and adjusted as sessions continue.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the session formats before booking since options are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when helpful, and reduce travel time. It also lets clients try interventions between sessions and report back promptly. Ask about the specific session types offered so you can choose what matches your schedule and needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, LGBT-related concerns, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and depression. He also helps with related topics like attachment, abandonment, body image, and substance or eating concerns.
What is his general therapy style?
Sessions are client-led and practical. He listens, clarifies priorities, and uses conversational exercises to try new ways of thinking and acting.
How much experience does he have?
He has 12 years of professional experience working with adults on mood, anxiety, and relationship matters.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a California LMFT, which means he is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in California.
In which language are sessions held?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can I work with him from another country?
He does not accept international clients at this time. Please confirm jurisdiction and location requirements before booking.
How are sessions scheduled and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location and services; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Confirm pricing details during the matching and scheduling steps.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session from the available times.