Michael Peterson

Practical, collaborative care for everyday struggles

LCSW Illinois

Experience: 5 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Michael

Michael Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Illinois who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression.

Background and approach

He brings attention to challenges such as relationship and family concerns, parenting and fatherhood issues, anger and self-esteem struggles, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and career or life-change transitions. He also addresses compassion fatigue and a range of additional focus areas including aging and geriatric issues, autism and Asperger syndrome, codependency and communication problems, and substance use concerns.

With five years of direct clinical experience, Michael draws on a background that includes roles as a case worker, crisis clinician, and therapist, which informs a practical and multifaceted approach to care. He aims to create an open, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore thoughts and emotions and work toward clearer coping strategies.

Michael integrates evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy alongside acceptance and commitment and mindfulness-informed techniques, responding to each person’s needs with collaboration and respect. He practices in English and offers multiple session formats to fit different circumstances, guiding people through the decision to begin therapy and supporting them as they take steps toward greater balance and resilience.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Michael often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and develop practical strategies to change behaviors and emotional responses, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and many daily stressors. He also integrates acceptance and commitment therapy to support people in clarifying values, building psychological flexibility, and learning to respond differently to difficult thoughts and feelings. Client-centered techniques are used to maintain an empathic, nonjudgmental stance that supports exploration and self-directed growth.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with clients to assess goals, preferences, and the specific issues they bring, and then tailors a plan that may combine elements of these methods in ways that fit the individual’s needs.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for those balancing work, caregiving, or other commitments. These formats make it easier to attend sessions from different locations and to continue progress without frequent in-person visits, while still enabling interactive, therapy-focused work with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

Michael works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, relationship and family issues, parenting and fatherhood topics, anger, self esteem, bipolar, ADHD, and coping with life changes.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

He emphasizes a collaborative, nonjudgmental approach that encourages open discussion of thoughts and feelings while using practical strategies to build coping skills and insight.

What background does the therapist have?

Michael has five years of clinical experience and has worked in roles such as case worker, crisis clinician, and therapist, which contribute to a multifaceted perspective on treatment.

Where is he licensed and based?

He holds an LCSW credential and practices in Illinois; the license is listed as IL LCSW 149019164.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English, and international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are offered?

He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How is cost 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 therapy?

To get started select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Grief Depression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English