- Stress and anxiety
- Addiction support
- Mindfulness and ACT
About Michael
Michael Peterson, LCSW, focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, and depression. He also supports men and others facing issues around self-esteem, anger, relationship struggles, parenting concerns, and career stress. He works in Illinois and offers services in English.
Michael brings five years as a licensed clinical social worker to his counseling. He previously worked in roles such as case worker, crisis clinician, and therapist, which shaped a practical, hands-on approach. Sessions aim to be straightforward and nonjudgmental so people can talk about difficult feelings and decisions.
In sessions he uses methods like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. He also draws on mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing to help clients build coping skills and make changes that matter to them.
Conversations tend to focus on what’s happening now and on concrete steps a person can take next. Michael helps people notice unhelpful patterns, try small experiments, and choose actions that match their values. He encourages clear goals and checks progress along the way.
Michael describes starting therapy as an act of courage and aims to provide steady support through life transitions. Before booking, people should confirm the current session options and scheduling details.
Therapeutic approaches and online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and still move toward what matters. It supports working through avoidance and building actions that fit personal values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying thought patterns that feed anxiety or depression and testing new ways of thinking and behaving. Client-Centered Therapy gives people space to speak and feel heard while the therapist follows their lead and reflects what matters most.Finding the right approach is collaborative. Michael will discuss goals and preferences and adjust methods over time. Together the client and therapist decide which techniques to use and how to pace change so it fits daily life.
The practical benefits of online work depend on the session options in place. Because the biography does not list formats, confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Therapists and licensed professionals can also blend exercises and homework between meetings to reinforce progress without requiring extra office visits.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Michael address?
He helps with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and related issues such as self-esteem, anger, parenting, and career stress.
How would you describe his therapy style?
His style is direct and nonjudgmental. Sessions focus on practical steps, skills, and realistic goals tailored to each person.
What background does he bring to sessions?
Michael has five years as an LCSW and experience as a case worker, crisis clinician, and therapist, which informs a hands-on approach to counseling.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and provides services based in that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; 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.