Profile / United States
Michael Tidstrand, LPCC
California
LPCC counselor - anxiety and mood concerns
See online therapy options- CBT techniques
- ACT elements
- Skills practice
About Michael
Michael Tidstrand is an LPCC - Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor practicing in California with ten years of experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, self-esteem struggles, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and life changes. Sessions are conducted in English and he accepts international clients.
He favors practical, structured work that helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and habits. He uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside methods drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based work, Client-Centered therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. In sessions he listens, asks clarifying questions, and helps clients try small experiments between meetings.
Michael describes his process as collaborative. He helps people set clear, manageable goals and breaks problems into steps. That might mean tracking patterns of thinking, testing a new behavior, or practicing skills for handling strong emotions.
He also attends to relationships and connection when those are part of what’s causing distress. Attachment-focused ideas can help people understand recurring interaction patterns and try different responses. He pairs that with skills-based practice so insights are translated into everyday changes.
Practicalities are part of the work. He encourages brief homework, regular check-ins on progress, and adjustments when something isn’t working. People who want structured, hands-on help with thoughts, moods, and coping strategies may find this approach useful.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
CBT focuses on spotting patterns in thoughts and behaviors and trying new responses. In practice this means identifying a worry or habit, tracking it, and testing a different behavior to see what changes. That approach is helpful for anxiety, depression, and daily stressors.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes noticing what matters to a person and taking values-based steps even when feelings are difficult. It uses short exercises and mindful noticing to reduce avoidance and increase meaningful activity.
Attachment-Based ideas look at how past relationship patterns shape current reactions. This can help people recognize repetitive interaction styles and practice new ways of connecting or setting boundaries.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to choose strategies that match their goals and routines. He reviews what is working and adjusts the plan so techniques fit real life rather than staying theoretical.
Confirm available session formats before booking since formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time from appointments. These practical benefits help therapy fit into everyday life while the therapist and client try methods that suit the person's situation.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What problems does he most often help with?
He helps people managing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, self-esteem issues, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and life transitions.
How does he use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions?
He uses CBT to identify unhelpful thought patterns and test alternative responses through small experiments and skill practice between sessions.
What is his clinical experience?
He has ten years of experience working with people on mood and stress-related concerns.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is an LPCC - Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor licensed in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He accepts international clients; confirm any scheduling or regional requirements before booking.
How does pricing and payment work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are required to get started?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.