- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness practices
About Michael
Michael Peterson is an Illinois licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with five years of counseling experience. He helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, anger, relationship and parenting concerns, and other life changes.
He keeps sessions straightforward. Michael listens to what is happening now and what the client wants to change. He uses practical tools and conversation to help people notice patterns, try different responses, and manage difficult feelings in the moment.
Before becoming a therapist, he held several social work roles including case worker and crisis clinician. Those roles exposed him to a range of settings and challenges, and he draws on that variety when working with clients. He brings that broad experience into session planning and problem solving.
His approach mixes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered conversation, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing. That mix is used to clarify values, build small behavior changes, and reduce unhelpful thinking and reactivity.
Sessions focus on practical steps and brief skills people can use between meetings. Michael also addresses longer standing issues such as grief, family of origin patterns, and addiction by breaking them into manageable tasks. He invites clients to be part of choosing goals and next steps rather than following a fixed script.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and taking committed steps toward them despite difficult feelings. It helps people who are stuck in avoidance or who want clearer priorities when anger or stress arise. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches concrete strategies to change reactions and behavior. It is useful for managing outbursts and reducing patterns that feed anger. Motivational Interviewing supports readiness for change by exploring ambivalence and strengthening the reasons someone wants to act differently.Choosing the right approach is collaborative. Michael will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That might mean focusing on values and acceptance, practicing CBT skills, or combining techniques depending on what helps most.
The therapist's biography did not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also let people use quieter surroundings or audio-only sessions when that suits their day. Discussing session length and format is part of the first appointments to make therapy practical for everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues does he work with?
He helps people who lose their temper with loved ones, feel building resentment, or struggle with outbursts at work. Anger is treated alongside related concerns like stress, relationship strain, and addiction.
How would he describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a practical, down-to-earth style that focuses on noticing patterns and trying small changes. Sessions combine talk, skills practice, and brief exercises to reduce reactivity.
What is his background and experience?
He has five years of counseling experience and has worked in roles such as case worker and crisis clinician. Those earlier jobs inform his work with clients now.
What credentials and location are on file?
He holds an Illinois LCSW and practices from Illinois.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not accepted at this time.
What session formats are used?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with him?
Begin by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.