- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship and intimacy
- LGBT issues
About Michael
Michael Southerland is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 12 years of clinical experience. He works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ-related concerns, relationship difficulties, and intimacy-related issues. Michael’s approach treats the person, not just the problem, and he focuses on practical steps people can take now.
He starts by listening carefully to understand each person’s story and priorities. Sessions focus on clear goals, exploring patterns that keep problems going, and trying small, manageable changes between meetings. He uses client-centered methods to keep the conversation grounded in what matters to the person and draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Michael also uses narrative and existential ideas to help people make sense of transitions and identity questions common in early adulthood. Solution-focused techniques are used when people want concrete tools for immediate relief, such as coping with stress at work or managing anxiety before big life steps. He explains options and helps people choose what to try first.
People contact him for issues around abandonment, attachment, body image, commitment, codependency, and substance concerns, among others. He integrates an understanding of sexual diversity and alternative sexual cultures when relevant to the conversation. Sessions are practical, conversational, and aimed at helping people move forward in daily life.
To begin, Michael asks about current challenges and what a useful next step would look like. He works collaboratively to set goals and reviews progress regularly so the plan can change as needs evolve.
How therapeutic approaches shape online sessions
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters most to the person. Online sessions using this approach let clients lead the topics while the therapist responds with questions and reflections to clarify priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions. In remote work this often means setting homework, tracking patterns between sessions, and practicing skills in daily life to reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael will discuss options and decide together which methods suit the client’s goals and preferences. That collaborative process includes checking what feels useful and adjusting the plan when an approach isn’t helping as hoped.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time between work or school and therapy. It also makes it simpler to use written tools, screen-shared exercises, or homework tracking to support change in everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, and LGBT-related issues. Additional areas include attachment, body image, addiction, and related struggles.
How does he approach therapy?
Sessions combine client-centered listening with practical techniques from CBT, narrative, existential, and solution-focused work. The aim is to set clear goals and try manageable changes between sessions.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 12 years of professional experience as a therapist working with adults on a range of concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed in California. His practice is located in California.
Does he offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on the plan selected.
What do I do to start working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That begins the intake and matching process.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.