- Client-centered care
- Practical skills
- Calm listening
About Michael
Michael Tidstrand is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and major life changes. He offers a calm, nonjudgmental space where clients can talk openly about hard things. He emphasizes listening and making people feel heard from the first session.
He draws on ten years of clinical work and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. That background informs straightforward tools clients can use between sessions. Michael uses client-centered ideas to keep sessions focused on each person’s goals and feelings rather than fitting people into a one-size-fits-all plan.
He also integrates cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and practical skills to shift them. Mindfulness practices are introduced when they fit a person’s needs, offering simple ways to manage stress and stay present. Attachment-based perspectives help when relationship patterns and early experiences affect current struggles.
Sessions are collaborative and paced to what the client needs. He pays attention to values and clarity of purpose, helping people build routines and coping strategies that work in daily life. The focus is on gradual, manageable change rather than quick fixes.
Michael works with concerns including compassion fatigue, family-related stress, self-esteem issues, bipolar conditions, and ADHD. He welcomes conversations about how therapy could fit into each person’s life and encourages prospective clients to ask practical questions before starting.
How these approaches can work online
Client-centered therapy focuses on creating an accepting space where the client’s goals and feelings guide the work. It centers on listening, reflection, and helping people make choices that fit their values and life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages noticing thoughts and emotions without getting stuck in them while taking actions that match personal values and life goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers practical skills to change unhelpful patterns.Choosing the right approach is often part of early sessions. The therapist will talk with the client about current concerns, goals, and personal preferences. Together they will decide whether to emphasize client-centered support, ACT, CBT, or a mix, and will adjust the plan as progress is made.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. For people who prefer skill practice, CBT and ACT translate well to weekly exercises and between-session tasks. Therapists and licensed professionals can collaborate with clients to shape sessions that fit their routine and support steady progress.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Michael help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and coping with life changes. Other areas include compassion fatigue, family stress, self-esteem, bipolar, and ADHD.
What is his general therapy style like?
Sessions are nonjudgmental and collaborative, with an emphasis on listening and client-centered care. Practical strategies and reflection are used to support progress.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has ten years of experience working in clinical settings and with individuals facing a range of mental health concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds the credential LPCC and practices in California. His graduate degree is a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.