Somatic-Therapists

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Michael Anderson, LICSW

Restoring balance with practical, body-aware therapy

MA Portrait of Michael Anderson

About Michael

Michael Anderson is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people navigate stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, depression, and grief. He uses a practical, down-to-earth style and draws on life experience in blue-collar work and creative pursuits to relate to clients. Michael is licensed as an LICSW in Minnesota and brings six years of clinical practice to his work.

He focuses on immediate, manageable steps that reduce overwhelm. Sessions often include breathing and body-based awareness, discussion of patterns that keep problems repeating, and skills for tolerating strong emotions.

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Background and approach

Michael combines somatic ideas with cognitive strategies and emotion-focused work to meet real-life problems. His approach keeps language simple and direct. He listens for the story behind the struggle and helps people make small changes that add up.

Michael emphasizes mindfulness and practical coping tools rather than abstract theory. Clients can expect a collaborative process. Goals are set together, and progress is checked in regularly.

He also draws on existential and Jungian ideas when it helps people find meaning and direction. Michael’s background includes long experience in industrial work, plus creative interests in singing and photography. That mix informs a flexible, relatable style that aims to reconnect people with sources of purpose and personal strength.

Approaches that connect body, thought, and emotion

Michael blends somatic-focused work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to address both physical sensations and thinking patterns. Somatic-focused work pays attention to bodily feelings and movement to help people notice how stress and trauma show up in the body and learn ways to regulate those sensations. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and helps people try new, more helpful thinking and behavior patterns. DBT adds skill-building around emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness to manage intense feelings and reduce impulsive reactions.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Michael collaborates with each person to identify goals, try techniques, and adjust the plan based on what helps. The process is interactive and paced to the client’s comfort and needs.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and energy levels. These options make it easier to practice skills between sessions and to check in when life gets busy, while keeping therapy accessible from home or work.
Book with Michael Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Michael address in therapy?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and grief, plus concerns like self-esteem, intimacy, and career strain.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His style is straightforward and practical. He blends body-focused awareness with skills-based work and plain talk about patterns that keep problems repeating.
What is his clinical background and experience?
Michael has six years of clinical experience and a background in long-term blue-collar work and creative pursuits, which he uses to relate to practical life challenges.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He holds an LICSW and is licensed in Minnesota with credential number MN LICSW 22391.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does he offer?
He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging for flexible options.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.