Michael Southerland, LMFT

California · 12 years in practice

Michael Southerland is a California licensed marriage and family therapist with 12 years of experience.

License and registration

LMFT, California: 87924 · expires April 2027
NPI: 1245365824 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 12
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.

About Michael

Michael Southerland is a California licensed marriage and family therapist with 12 years of experience. He focuses on stress, anxiety, depression, and concerns related to relationships and intimacy. Michael works to create a calm, straightforward space where people can talk about what matters most to them.

He starts by listening to each person's story and strengths. Michael believes clients are the experts on their lives, and he helps them notice patterns that get in the way.

Background and approach

Therapy sessions are practical and grounded, with clear steps people can try between meetings. Michael draws on several approaches to fit each person's needs. He uses existential ideas to help people face big questions about meaning and choice.

He also uses client-centered methods to keep the conversation focused on the person's experience. Cognitive behavioral techniques are used when thoughts and habits need to change, and narrative work helps people reframe difficult stories they repeat about themselves. Solution-focused practices aim to find small, doable changes that lead to relief.

Clients seeking help with body image, attachment or communication problems, addiction or issues around adoption and foster care can bring those concerns into sessions. Michael also works with people navigating BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture without judgment. Sessions are offered in English and delivered online by video, phone, live chat, or text messaging to fit different schedules.

Michael supports each person in shaping therapy to meet their goals and daily life.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Michael lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Stress, Anxiety
LGBT
Relationship issues
Intimacy-related issues
Depression
Abandonment
Adoption and foster care
Aging and geriatric issues
Attachment issues
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
Body image
Co-morbidity
Codependency
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Control issues
Drug and alcohol addiction
Eating and food-related issues
Emptiness
Family problems
Forgiveness
Gender dysphoria
Guilt and shame
HIV / AIDS
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Mood disorders
Narcissism
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Personality disorders
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Postpartum depression
Self-love
Sex addiction
Sexual dysfunction
Sexuality
Social anxiety and phobia
Workplace issues
Young adult issues

Approaches Michael names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

How Michael’s Approaches Work Online

Michael integrates existential therapy, client-centered methods, and cognitive behavioral therapy to address different concerns. Existential therapy helps people name big questions about meaning, choice, and identity so they can make clearer decisions. Client-centered work keeps the focus on the person's lived experience and emotions, creating space to be heard. Cognitive behavioral therapy offers concrete techniques to spot and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which is useful for anxiety and mood challenges.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Michael will listen to your goals and try methods that fit your needs, adjusting the plan as you go. He treats therapy as a partnership where your feedback helps shape the next steps.

Online formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when seeing expressions matters. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging suit quick updates, brief coaching, or people who prefer typing over speaking. These options let clients keep therapy consistent around work, school, or caregiving responsibilities.

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Questions people ask

What kinds of problems does he help with?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, and LGBT-related issues. He also addresses a wide range of related topics such as body image, attachment, and addiction.

What is his therapeutic style like?

His style combines listening and practical tools. He centers the client's experience while offering thought and behavior strategies to try between sessions.

How much experience does he have?

He has 12 years of professional experience working with adults on emotional and relational concerns.

What credentials and location are listed?

He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, licensed in California.

Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?

Sessions are offered in English and he does not accept international clients at this time.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different needs and schedules.

How does payment and cost work?

Costs vary by location and therapist availability and are billed through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

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