Toni Hernalsteen, LMSW - Therapist in Michigan

ACT therapy
CBT techniques
Motivational interviewing

About Toni

Toni Hernalsteen is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Michigan with 17 years of practice. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, grief and loss, depression, relationship problems, aging concerns, and other life stressors.

Toni uses straightforward conversation and practical strategies to help people manage their day-to-day struggles. She draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thoughts and reactions. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness practices to help people notice what matters and build steady routines.

Her background includes work with individuals, couples, and groups across a range of concerns. Motivational interviewing is part of her approach when people want help shifting behaviors, especially around substance use. She combines these approaches with a client-centered stance that keeps the persons goals in focus.

Toni says she enjoys creative problem solving and will work with clients to find what motivates them to keep going. Sessions typically involve talking through current problems, practicing new skills, and setting small, concrete steps people can try between meetings.

She aims to be an active listener who treats people with respect and sensitivity. Many people come to her wanting relief from persistent worry, trouble sleeping, relationship strain, or difficulty coping with big life changes. If someone is looking for practical tools and steady support, Toni may be a fit.

To begin, clients follow the site process to match and schedule a first session. The therapist uses techniques drawn from evidence-based methods while adapting the plan to each persons situation.

How her approaches translate to online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and choosing actions that match personal values; it can help with anxiety and motivation by shifting attention toward meaningful activities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which often helps with worry, sleep problems, and mood. Mindfulness therapy offers simple exercises to build present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity to strong emotions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That might mean trying CBT techniques for a while, then adding ACT or mindfulness exercises based on how things are going.

Confirm the exact session formats before booking since the biography does not list specific online methods. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, or allow a shorter check-in when time is limited. Therapists can also adapt exercises for phone or video meetings depending on client needs and comfort. Ask about the available formats when you complete the matching questionnaire so sessions align with daily life and goals.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsRelationship issuesGrief Depression

Also works with

Family conflictsTrauma and abuse Intimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgiveness Guilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issues Mood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

17+ years

Listed in

Michigan

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she work with?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, relationship issues, aging, and related life stressors.

What is her general therapeutic style?

She combines client-centered conversation with practical techniques like CBT and mindfulness to address daily problems and behavior change.

How much experience does she have?

She has 17 years of professional experience working with individuals, couples, and groups.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is an LMSW licensed in Michigan and practices from that state.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she take international clients?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How does payment work?

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

How do I get started?

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