Therapist profile
Michael Peterson, LCSW
Illinois
LCSW - Stress and Addictions
Continue with MichaelWhere Michael stands
- Credentials
- LCSW
- License
- LCSW, Illinois / 149019164
- NPI
- 1972852978
- Experience
- 5 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Illinois
About
- ACT and CBT
- Motivational interviewing
- Mindfulness methods
About Michael
Michael Peterson is an LCSW licensed in Illinois with five years of clinical practice. He helps people who struggle with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, relationship and family concerns, codependency, ADHD, and related challenges. He speaks English and works from an approach that emphasizes practical steps and clear conversation.
He draws on experience from several social work roles including case work, crisis clinician, and therapist. That variety shaped the way he approaches problems: listen first, then try concrete strategies that fit a person's daily life. Sessions focus on small, doable changes rather than abstract theory.
Michael uses techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy alongside mindfulness and motivational interviewing. He explains options in plain language and outlines simple tools people can try between sessions. The goal is steady progress on things that matter right now, like feeling less anxious, setting firmer boundaries, or reducing addictive behavior.
He aims to make sessions direct and practical. People who have felt stuck in people-pleasing roles or who live around another person’s drinking or moods may find the sessions focus on improving boundaries, communication, and personal coping skills. He also helps with work stress, parenting strain, and handling life transitions.
To begin, Michael asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. The subscription-based scheduling system can be canceled at any time. He does not work with international clients and provides services in Illinois in English.
How sessions work
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and values-driven action. Online work using ACT often includes exercises to clarify personal values and small steps to act on them despite uncomfortable feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify unhelpful thinking and test new behaviors. In virtual sessions CBT can include tracking thoughts and trying out brief experiments between meetings to see what changes.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael treats approach selection as collaborative. He reviews options with clients, checks what fits their goals and daily life, and adjusts methods as the work progresses.
Confirm current session formats before booking because the original biography does not list specific online formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, shorten check-ins when needed, and allow people to use quieter surroundings or avoid travel. Ask about practical details when you complete the matching questionnaire so the session structure matches your schedule and needs.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does he help with people-pleasing and codependent patterns?
Yes. He lists codependency and relationship concerns among the issues he helps people with, including boundary and communication work.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses a direct, practical style that combines listening with concrete tools from approaches like ACT and CBT. Sessions typically focus on skills to use between meetings.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has five years of clinical practice as an LCSW and prior roles in case work and crisis work that inform his approach.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and practices there.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients schedule with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions are managed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule your 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 at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.