Michael Valdes, LCSW

Michael Valdes is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship struggles, and major life shifts. He draws on 17 years of experience to offer steady, practical support when problems feel overwhelming. He approaches sessions in a straightforward way. Conversations focus on what is happening now, what the person wants to change, and small steps that can help. He uses tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns, and mixes in mindfulness and acceptance strategies when those fit. Michael also uses client-centered and dialectical ideas to keep the pace collaborative. That means the person’s goals guide the work, and emotion regulation skills are taught when stress or strong feelings get in the way. He brings an open attitude to topics that can feel sensitive, including intimacy, alternative sexual culture, attachment concerns, and recovery from substance use. Practical issues like work stress, grief, and caregiving strain are common themes in his practice. He offers concrete coping strategies and communication skills people can use between sessions. Sessions are geared toward real-world results rather than abstract theory. Michael works from Tennessee and conducts sessions in English. He uses a mix of therapy styles to match each person’s needs and prefers to build goals together over time.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, helps people notice and change thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that affect relationships. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on making room for difficult feelings while identifying what matters most. It combines mindful awareness with committed actions toward a meaningful life, which can help with grief, chronic stress, and coping with change. Client-centered therapy centers the person’s own goals and experience. The therapist listens without judgment, helps clarify values, and supports the person in finding their own solutions for issues like intimacy, attachment, or self-esteem. Finding the best approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences at the start and adjust methods as needed. This collaborative process helps match techniques to what actually helps the person feel and function better. Online sessions offer practical benefits. Video calls let people have a face-to-face conversation from their chosen location. Phone sessions can be a lower-bandwidth option or easier when camera time isn’t needed. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for brief check-ins, coaching-style support, or people who prefer writing over speaking. These options increase flexibility and make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life.