Michael Anderson, LICSW
Licensed therapist integrating practical and creative tools
- CBT and DBT techniques
- Trauma-informed care
- Mindfulness and creativity
About Michael Anderson
Michael Anderson draws on a long arc of personal and professional experience to support people working through anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship struggles, and the frustration that comes from feeling stuck. He spent many years in blue collar and heavy industry as a millwright, a period that informed his understanding of work, identity, and resilience. That lived experience led him into clinical work and a commitment to ongoing personal growth, and he now practices as a Masters-level LICSW - a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - who combines practical tools with empathic guidance.
Michael blends evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with trauma-informed and somatic-focused work, offering structured strategies alongside attention to body-based responses. He also brings creativity into the therapeutic process as a professional singer and photographer, viewing creativity as part of the path toward discovering and sharing one’s gifts. He often frames change as a process of moving through resistance, addressing impasses, and cultivating new patterns of thought and behavior.
Michael’s practice emphasizes mindfulness, skill development, and a focus on meaningful goals, whether someone is coping with grief, navigating addiction, managing anger, or exploring career and identity questions. He aims to partner with people who want steady, practical support for lasting personal growth.
Michael blends evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with trauma-informed and somatic-focused work, offering structured strategies alongside attention to body-based responses. He also brings creativity into the therapeutic process as a professional singer and photographer, viewing creativity as part of the path toward discovering and sharing one’s gifts. He often frames change as a process of moving through resistance, addressing impasses, and cultivating new patterns of thought and behavior.
Michael’s practice emphasizes mindfulness, skill development, and a focus on meaningful goals, whether someone is coping with grief, navigating addiction, managing anger, or exploring career and identity questions. He aims to partner with people who want steady, practical support for lasting personal growth.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBody imageCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobia
Therapeutic Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Michael Anderson have?
Michael Anderson has 6 years of professional experience as a licensed therapist.
Is Michael Anderson a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credential LICSW, which indicates he is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. License details: MN LICSW 22391.
In which languages does Michael Anderson provide therapy?
Michael Anderson provides therapy in English.
Where is Michael Anderson located?
Michael Anderson is located in Minnesota.
How can I work with Michael Anderson as my therapist?
You can work with Michael Anderson through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Michael Anderson work with international clients?
Michael Anderson does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Michael Anderson cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support
Michael primarily works with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and he also incorporates Emotionally-Focused Therapy when relational issues are central. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior, and is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skill-building in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness, and it can be especially helpful for intense emotions and impulsive behavior. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on patterns in close relationships, helping people understand and shift how they connect, which supports healing after ruptures or ongoing attachment struggles.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Michael works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts methods over time so therapy fits the individual rather than forcing a single model. Licensed professionals and therapists often draw from multiple approaches to best support change.
Online therapy offers practical benefits for accessibility and consistency. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and life demands, and they allow the therapeutic work to continue when in-person meetings are not possible. This flexibility helps people maintain momentum and apply skills in real-world contexts.