- Strengths focused
- Practical tools
- Collaborative process
About Michael
Michael Southerland is a licensed marriage and family therapist working in California. He helps people who are coping with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, intimacy-related issues, and LGBT-related challenges. He frames therapy as a collaborative process and supports clients who want clearer direction and more satisfying connections in life.
He believes each person is the expert on their own story and brings strengths to the work. Sessions focus on building on those strengths while identifying small, practical steps that reduce anxiety and lift mood. Michael aims to make the first steps feel doable rather than overwhelming.
With 12 years of clinical experience, he draws on several practical approaches. He uses Client-Centered methods to follow the client’s lead and create space for honest reflection. He also applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools to help people test unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors.
His practice also incorporates Narrative and Solution-Focused ideas to help people reframe difficult experiences and set short-term goals. Therapy conversations are oriented toward everyday changes that improve relationships and emotional balance. Michael emphasizes collaboration and clear, actionable strategies.
People looking to begin can expect straightforward conversation and concrete tasks between meetings when useful. He works in English and is licensed in California as an LMFT. Prospective clients are encouraged to use the site’s matching process to schedule a first session and see if his style feels like a good fit.
He believes each person is the expert on their own story and brings strengths to the work. Sessions focus on building on those strengths while identifying small, practical steps that reduce anxiety and lift mood. Michael aims to make the first steps feel doable rather than overwhelming.
With 12 years of clinical experience, he draws on several practical approaches. He uses Client-Centered methods to follow the client’s lead and create space for honest reflection. He also applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools to help people test unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors.
His practice also incorporates Narrative and Solution-Focused ideas to help people reframe difficult experiences and set short-term goals. Therapy conversations are oriented toward everyday changes that improve relationships and emotional balance. Michael emphasizes collaboration and clear, actionable strategies.
People looking to begin can expect straightforward conversation and concrete tasks between meetings when useful. He works in English and is licensed in California as an LMFT. Prospective clients are encouraged to use the site’s matching process to schedule a first session and see if his style feels like a good fit.
This summary is based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp.