Hi there, I'm Michael!

I focus primarily on relationships, be it individuals having difficulty with rough spots in life, couples, children, and families.

My focus

I am comfortable working with almost any problem. However, my specialties include depression, anxiety, substance abuse and addiction, codependency, ADHD, and especially LGBT + gender identity. Don't hesitate to reach out to me and ask me if I have experience working with clients like you.

My approach

My overall approach is Rogerian therapy. This means I practice a Client-Centered approach to therapy with 3 important qualities: empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. You, as the client, direct the path of your therapy, not me. There will never be any judgment here.

My communication style

I am very empathic. I'm a warm, friendly, non-judgmental therapist. I use a lot of humor in therapy because I believe it is very helpful. I like to think I'm a fun guy to be with. My tone is always accepting because I accept everybody for who they are. I have the attitude that everyone is beautiful for who they are.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey to becoming a therapist is a long one. I spent 11 years working in the child welfare system in South Florida. I ended up in adoptions, helping children find their forever families. I came here for new opportunities and started working in community mental health, working my way up to becoming a licensed therapist.

My goals for you

Goals are 100% set by you. I will help you put your goals into the SMART format. That is, specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, and time-bound. I believe that goals are like points you stop on a map on a road trip as you journey through life.

Our first session

You can expect to be listened to. The first session is where you tell me your story. I love stories. It is an honor to hear the many stories I have heard in the years I have been a therapist.

I identify as...

Male
Caucasian or White

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Motivational Interviewing

Object Relations

Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT)

Sex Therapy

+ 11 more

Focus populations

Body Positivity

Cancer

Educators

Gay

HIV/AIDS

Immune-Disorders

LGBTQIA+

Lesbian

Non-Binary

Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy

Queer

Racial Justice

Sex-Positive/Kink

Single Mother

Transgender

+ 15 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy

Ages served

Adults
Minors
Preteens

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 60 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Science (MS) from California State University, Los Angeles.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

In-person sessions

15235 Burbank Blvd Unit A4, Van Nuys, CA 91411

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Michael Southerland