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MS Portrait of Michael Southerland

Michael Southerland

Collaborative therapist blending practical and reflective methods

LMFT California

Experience
12 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Michael

About Michael

Michael Southerland is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 12 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, and intimacy or relationship challenges.

Background and approach

He works from a perspective that honors each client's own expertise about their life, using strengths already present to address current difficulties and build toward more fulfilling ways of living.

Michael’s practice includes work with LGBT-related concerns and a wide range of related issues such as attachment and abandonment, body image, communication problems, substance and eating concerns, and the complexities of alternative sexual cultures.

His approach blends practical, evidence-informed methods with exploratory work that examines meaning and personal narratives, allowing clients to both solve immediate problems and reflect on deeper patterns. Based in California and licensed as an LMFT, he offers multiple session formats to fit different needs.

Michael aims to create a collaborative environment in which clients feel supported while they try new strategies and explore what matters most to them.

Approach and Access: Tailored Therapy Online

Michael commonly combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy in online work. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for addressing anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms by offering practical tools and clear strategies. Client-centered work emphasizes empathy and the client's own expertise, providing a supportive space to explore feelings, values, and relational concerns without judgment.

Choosing the right approach is often part of the therapeutic process, and Michael collaborates with clients to determine what methods best match their goals and preferences. Together they may try structured CBT techniques, open-ended reflective conversation, or a mix of both to address immediate challenges while also exploring longer-term patterns.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options allow clients to fit therapy into their schedules and to use the format that feels most comfortable, whether they prefer real-time conversation or written exchanges.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, LGBT-related issues, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, and a variety of related topics such as attachment, body image, substance and eating issues.
What therapeutic styles does he use?
He integrates client-centered work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, existential exploration, narrative approaches, and solution-focused methods to address both immediate problems and deeper life patterns.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 12 years of professional experience providing therapy in clinical settings and independent practice.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is licensed as an LMFT in California with license number CA LMFT 87924 and practices from that state.
Does he work in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are fees handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

12+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English