- CBT methods
- ACT techniques
- Motivational interviewing
About Toni
Toni Hernalsteen is an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) practicing in Michigan with 17 years of professional experience. She works with adults on common early-adult challenges such as stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, and life changes, as well as areas like addiction, grief, depression, and career concerns.
She uses straightforward conversation and practical tools to help people sort through what is getting in the way. Sessions often include techniques drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to address unhelpful thoughts and to identify values-driven actions. Mindfulness and motivational interviewing are also part of her approach when helpful.
Toni describes herself as creative in her clinical work and likes to try different ways of finding motivation and keeping clients moving forward. She has worked with individuals, couples, and groups in a range of settings over her career. Her background includes additional credentials related to alcohol and drug counseling in Michigan.
In sessions she listens actively and focuses on specific goals clients bring. That can mean talking through relationship patterns, dealing with grief, managing sleep or anger, or planning next steps for a career or schooling decision. She adapts the conversation and plan to what each person says they need.
Toni also brings experience addressing issues such as ADHD, caregiving stress, chronic illness, body image, and intimacy-related difficulties. People who want clear, practical discussion about what to change and how to try it may find her direct style a good fit.
How her approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts without getting stuck in them and then choose actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, feeling stuck after school, or uncertainty about next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns like rumination or avoidance. Mindfulness practices involve brief attention and breathing exercises to reduce reactivity and improve focus during stressful times.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Toni will collaborate with each person to decide which methods to use based on their goals, current problems, and preferences. That planning happens together, and methods can be adjusted as progress is made.
The profile does not specify which online formats are used, so confirm session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around school or work, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and remove travel time. Many people find remote sessions helpful for keeping consistent appointments while managing daily responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she work with that affect young adults?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career decisions, and life transitions common in early adulthood.
What is her general approach in sessions?
She uses direct conversation and practical tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and motivational interviewing to address thoughts, behaviors, and values.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 17 years of professional experience working with individuals, couples, and groups in multiple settings.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) practicing in Michigan and holds additional alcohol and drug counseling credentials in the state.
Does she work in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients currently.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the profile does not list specific session formats.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
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.