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MV Portrait of Michael Valdes

Michael Valdes

Compassionate, practical support for life’s challenges

LCSW Tennessee

Experience
17 years in practice
Focus areas
Addictions, Relationship, Family
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Michael

About Michael

Michael Valdes is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Tennessee with 17 years of clinical experience. He works with adults facing a wide range of concerns including addiction, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy challenges, trauma, grief, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and stress-related issues.

Background and approach

His practice also addresses nuanced areas such as attachment and abandonment, BDSM and alternative sex culture, communication and commitment problems, and the emotional impact of cancer and caregiving. Michael draws from several evidence-informed approaches to tailor care to each person's needs.

He commonly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address thoughts and behaviors, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support values-based action, and client-centered techniques that emphasize empathy and collaboration. He also incorporates skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and existential perspectives when fitting for a client's goals.

Therapy with Michael is presented as a partnership focused on growth, coping, and practical change. He offers sessions in English and provides multiple online formats to make ongoing therapy more accessible for people across Tennessee.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that adapt to your needs

Michael often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, addiction, and stress management. He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support clients in clarifying personal values and taking committed action even when difficult emotions are present. Client-centered techniques are woven in to prioritize empathic listening and collaboration, creating space for clients to direct the pace and focus of work.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he emphasizes collaboration in shaping treatment. Together the therapist and client explore which methods match the client’s goals, preferences, and life context, adjusting strategies over time as needs evolve.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering practical flexibility for scheduling and continuity of care. These formats make it simpler to maintain regular sessions while balancing work, family, and other commitments, and they allow licensed professionals to deliver ongoing support across Tennessee.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does this therapist commonly address?
He works with a broad range of concerns including addictions, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, grief, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and career or life transition challenges.
What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?
The approach blends cognitive behavioral strategies, acceptance-based work, and client-centered collaboration, with DBT and existential ideas used when helpful to build coping skills and clarify values.
How long has he been practicing?
He brings 17 years of clinical experience providing psychotherapy across a range of concerns and populations.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He is a licensed clinical social worker with the Tennessee LCSW number 5691 and maintains his practice in Tennessee.
Which languages are available for therapy?
Sessions are offered in English, and he is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered for online work?
Clients may connect via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and availability.
How are costs and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start therapy with him?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCancerCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualityWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

17+ years

Licensed

Tennessee

Languages

English