- Client-centered approach
- Practical coping tools
- Support for LGBT concerns
About Michael
Michael Southerland is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship or intimacy concerns. He focuses on creating a respectful space where clients lead the pace and topics. He speaks plainly and aims to make the first steps feel manageable for someone who is worried or unsure.
Michael believes people are the experts on their own lives and that strengths already present can be used to move past difficult patterns. In sessions he listens for what matters most and works with clients to set realistic goals. He emphasizes clear, practical steps alongside careful listening.
Over 12 years of practice in California, Michael has supported people with LGBT concerns, codependency, attachment questions, and issues around commitment and communication. He also brings experience with substance and eating struggles, body-image concerns, and adoption or fostering backgrounds. His range of focus areas reflects a willingness to address both emotional pain and everyday relationship problems.
Michael uses conversational, client-centered methods and draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioral ideas, narrative work, and solution-focused strategies. He adapts practical tools to each person’s situation rather than following a single formula. Sessions aim to be collaborative, with the client shaping what progress looks like.
For those ready to begin, Michael supports people through the early steps of identifying goals and building small, workable changes. He keeps language simple and meets people where they are.
Approaches that translate to online care
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding your priorities. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects what is said, and helps people name goals and next steps. This approach is useful when someone needs patience and steady support while sorting through relationship or identity concerns.Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It uses simple, practical tools to try out different behaviors and shift unhelpful thinking. CBT is often helpful for stress, anxiety, and managing low mood through small, doable changes.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael will discuss what feels most useful and tailor methods to each person's needs and preferences. The early sessions are meant to map concerns, set goals, and try a few strategies together so clients can see what helps.
Session formats were not specified in the biography, so confirm the available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It also lets people continue work with a licensed professional from where they are located, while still focusing on practical steps and measurable progress.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, and concerns related to codependency.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses a client-centered style that emphasizes listening and collaboration, combined with practical techniques from cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approaches.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 12 years of professional work experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist in California.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He is a California licensed marriage and family therapist, listed with the credential LMFT and practicing in California.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats does he offer?
Session formats were not specified in the provided biography; please confirm current session options when booking.
How does pricing work for his sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to meet with him?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.