Michael Southerland, LMFT

Michael Southerland is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and LGBT-related concerns. He supports those dealing with relationship and intimacy challenges and aims to create a calm, respectful space to talk through what feels hard. Michael emphasizes practical steps people can try between sessions to feel steadier. Michael practices in California and brings 12 years of professional experience to his work. He approaches therapy with the idea that each person knows their own story best. Sessions focus on identifying strengths and building small skills that lead to clearer choices and better day-to-day coping. His work often uses client-centered listening to make sure the person's goals lead the process. He also integrates cognitive behavioral methods to help change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, plus solution-focused techniques to set achievable short-term goals. These approaches are used flexibly to meet what a person needs in the moment. Michael is comfortable addressing a wide range of concerns beyond core specialties, including attachment and abandonment issues, body image, addiction-related struggles, and challenges tied to adoption or aging. He pays attention to how these life factors affect mood, relationships, and a sense of direction. Taking the first step can feel risky, and Michael aims to make it straightforward. He helps people clarify next steps, weigh options, and practice new ways of relating to themselves and others. The goal is steady progress toward a more satisfying daily life.

How these approaches shape online therapy

Michael blends client-centered work with cognitive behavioral ideas to guide online sessions. Client-centered therapy means the conversation follows the person's aims, with the therapist reflecting concerns and priorities so clients feel heard. This approach helps when someone needs space to sort feelings and decide what matters most. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying thoughts and behaviors that keep stress or anxiety going, and then testing small changes. That work often involves setting short practice tasks between sessions to track progress and notice what shifts. Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael will talk with each person about goals and preferences and then suggest which methods to try first. That collaborative process lets the therapist and client adjust as needs change over time. Confirm the current session options before booking. The practical benefits of remote sessions include fitting therapy around work or family demands, shorter check-ins when needed, and the ability to meet without travel time. These practical advantages can make it easier to keep up with regular sessions and apply what is learned in everyday life.