About Michael
Michael Tidstrand is a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who helps people manage stress and anxiety and other everyday struggles. He offers straightforward, compassionate support so someone can talk through what feels overwhelming in their life. Conversations are meant to be down-to-earth and without judgment.
He uses clear, practical methods to help people notice how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. Sessions often include mindfulness practice and cognitive strategies to reduce distress.
Background and approach
He also draws on attachment-informed ideas to look at relationship patterns and how they affect current struggles. Michael trained at Pepperdine University, where he earned a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, and he has about 10 years of experience in clinical work. That background shows up in a calm, curious style that focuses on listening first.
He aims to help people build skills they can use between sessions. People who come for support may be coping with grief, depression, compassion fatigue, self-esteem concerns, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, or major life changes. The work is collaborative - goals are set together and adjusted as progress is made.
Sessions are conversational and practical. Michael emphasizes simple tools and gentle reflection so change feels manageable. He welcomes people from diverse places, offers services in English, and works with clients across California and beyond.
How therapeutic approaches work online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice thoughts without getting stuck and focuses on identifying personal values to guide action. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at how thoughts and behaviors feed emotions and offers concrete skills to shift unhelpful patterns, which can reduce distress and improve functioning. Attachment-Based ideas are used to explore relationship patterns and how early connections shape current reactions, helping people change how they relate to others and themselves.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. Sessions are adjusted over time based on what is helping, so the plan evolves with the client’s needs.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives. Video allows face-to-face conversation when a longer session is needed. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in fits better into a schedule. Live chat and text messaging are useful for brief updates, skill practice, or quick support between sessions. These options offer flexibility so people can choose what works best for them.
Questions people ask
What concerns does Michael commonly address?
What is his general therapy style?
How much clinical experience does he have?
What credentials and location are listed?
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
Which session formats does he provide?
How is cost handled for sessions?
How do I get started with therapy?
What this therapist works with
Most often
Also listed
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Family conflicts
- Self esteem
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 10 years
- Licensed
- California
- Languages
- English
We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.