Toni Hernalsteen, LMSW

Toni Hernalsteen is a licensed master social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, depression, and relationship struggles. She speaks plainly and listens closely to find what’s getting in the way of daily life. Her practical focus is on small, doable changes that build momentum over time.

With 17 years of experience in Michigan, she draws on several evidence-based methods to guide sessions. Toni uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thoughts and habits that keep problems going. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centered approaches to help people clarify values and take committed steps toward them.

She often works with people coping with trauma, intimacy-related concerns, sleep problems, parenting stress, anger, self-esteem, career shifts, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. Toni also supports those dealing with caregiving strain, chronic illness, cancer-related stress, and substance use issues. Her background includes individual, couples, and group settings across a range of clinical environments.

Toni approaches therapy with curiosity and creativity. She looks for motivation a person already has and builds from there. Sessions are shaped to fit each person’s needs rather than following a single formula.

Clients can expect an active listener who aims to help them understand patterns and try practical steps. She emphasizes compassion, respect, and straightforward talk while tailoring plans to the person’s goals and life situation.

How Toni Uses CBT and ACT Online

Toni often combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and helps people try different ways of thinking and behaving to reduce distress and improve daily functioning. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people name what really matters to them and take small steps toward those values, even when uncomfortable feelings are present.

Choosing an approach is a shared process. Toni will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they decide whether to emphasize skills practice, values-based work, or a mix of methods, and they adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls are useful for more in-depth work and visual connection. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth or being on camera is an issue. Live chat and text messaging work well for brief check-ins, between-session coaching, or follow-up on skills. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life and to keep momentum between appointments.