Dr. Michael Altekruse
Compassionate, practical therapy for everyday challenges
WI Psychologist 2118-57 Wisconsin
- Experience
- 25 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Parenting
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
- Languages
- English
About Michael
Dr. Michael Altekruse brings a pragmatic, client-focused approach to therapy grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centered and solution-focused methods.
Background and approach
He draws on 25 years of experience as a licensed psychologist in Wisconsin to help people clarify goals and identify recurring patterns that interfere with progress. His work commonly addresses stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting concerns, ADHD, and related life transitions.
Dr. Altekruse begins by learning about each person's story and what led them to seek help, then collaborates on practical steps toward change while exploring obstacles that block desired outcomes.
He combines warmth and a calm manner with direct problem-solving, and he describes his role as a partner rather than a source of all answers. Known for being respectful, sensitive, and possessing a grounded sense of humor, he encourages clients to take the actions that match their values and goals.
Throughout his career he has worked in college counseling centers and school settings, gaining familiarity with a wide range of ages and presenting issues. Prospective clients in Wisconsin who want a thoughtful, experienced psychologist to help with mood concerns, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, or questions about purpose and direction may find his style helpful.
CBT and Collaborative Care Online
Dr. Altekruse uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and develop practical strategies to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress. Client-centered methods provide space for each person to describe their experience while the therapist offers reflective listening and support to clarify goals. Motivational Interviewing can complement these approaches by helping clients resolve ambivalence and strengthen their commitment to change.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative stance means techniques may be adjusted over time as progress and priorities evolve, with the client actively guiding the direction of work.
Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, maintain continuity during transitions, and access regular support without the need for travel. Licensed professionals can use these tools to deliver structured interventions and ongoing collaboration tailored to each client.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he commonly address?
What therapeutic style does he use in sessions?
How much clinical experience does he have?
What are his credentials and where is he located?
Is he available to work with non-English speakers or international clients?
Which session formats are offered?
How are costs and payment handled?
What is the first step to begin therapy?
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Licensed
Wisconsin
Languages
English