- Practical tools
- Values focused
- Calm presence
About Michael
Michael Peterson is an Illinois licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, grief, depression, and related concerns. He brings a direct, compassionate approach and focuses on practical steps people can use right away. Michael writes in plain language and aims to make early sessions feel approachable and straightforward.
He draws on five years of counseling experience and a broader decade in social work roles like case worker and crisis clinician. That background informs how he listens and responds in sessions. Michael creates a space where clients can talk without judgment and begin to sort out what matters most to them.
Sessions tend to focus on identifying patterns that cause distress and trying small, manageable changes. He uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to challenge unhelpful thoughts, and mindfulness practices to calm the body and mind. Motivational interviewing and acceptance and commitment therapy help with making values-driven choices and increasing motivation.
Michael has worked in a range of settings, which helps him adapt to different life situations. He also supports people dealing with caregiver stress, aging concerns, autism spectrum issues, and challenges like codependency or fatherhood questions. His style is practical, steady, and collaborative.
Taking the first step can feel hard, and Michael aims to make it easier by focusing on clear goals and usable strategies. He encourages people to try small changes and notice what helps over time.
He draws on five years of counseling experience and a broader decade in social work roles like case worker and crisis clinician. That background informs how he listens and responds in sessions. Michael creates a space where clients can talk without judgment and begin to sort out what matters most to them.
Sessions tend to focus on identifying patterns that cause distress and trying small, manageable changes. He uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to challenge unhelpful thoughts, and mindfulness practices to calm the body and mind. Motivational interviewing and acceptance and commitment therapy help with making values-driven choices and increasing motivation.
Michael has worked in a range of settings, which helps him adapt to different life situations. He also supports people dealing with caregiver stress, aging concerns, autism spectrum issues, and challenges like codependency or fatherhood questions. His style is practical, steady, and collaborative.
Taking the first step can feel hard, and Michael aims to make it easier by focusing on clear goals and usable strategies. He encourages people to try small changes and notice what helps over time.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
Aging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
Illinois
Languages
English
Approaches used in online counseling and how they help
Michael often uses acceptance and commitment therapy to help people notice difficult thoughts without getting stuck in them and to take action based on personal values. That can be useful for grief, anxiety, and life transitions.He also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and try concrete behavior changes. CBT is practical and can help with depression, anxiety, and stress by breaking problems into steps.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Michael will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and how therapies feel in practice. He treats the process as a collaboration and adjusts methods based on what is working.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counseling into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins between in-person visits, and reduce travel time. They may also make it simpler to schedule around work, caregiving, or medical appointments while keeping a steady routine.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michael focus on?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and related issues such as ADHD, relationship struggles, and parenting concerns.
What is his therapeutic style?
Michael works in a straightforward, collaborative way. He listens without judgment and helps clients set clear, manageable goals.
What kind of experience does he bring?
He has five years of counseling experience and about ten years working in social work roles including case work and crisis clinician positions.
Where is he licensed and based?
He is licensed as an LCSW in Illinois and practices with that credential in the state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies by 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 schedule according to therapist availability.