Michael Valdes, LCSW
Compassionate guidance for real-life challenges
Details
| Name | Michael Valdes |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LCSW |
| Based in | Tennessee |
| Licensed in | Tennessee |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 17 |
About Michael
Michael Valdes is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing a wide range of life challenges. He works with individuals coping with anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, trauma, and stress. Michael brings 17 years of experience to sessions and aims to make the work straightforward and practical.
He uses Narrative approaches to help people reframe their life stories. He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and client-centered methods.
Background and approach
Those tools are used flexibly to match what each person needs in a given moment. In sessions Michael listens for patterns that get in the way of forward movement. He helps people notice thoughts and behaviors, test small changes, and build skills for handling intense feelings.
The work often includes talking about values and experimenting with new ways of coping. Michael describes therapy as collaborative. He invites people to set goals and tries to keep each meeting focused and practical.
Progress is tracked in simple steps so clients can see what is helping. His practice is based in Tennessee and conducted in English. He frames the work for people who want to understand recurring problems, reduce distress, and make clearer choices about relationships, work, and identity.
What this therapist works with
His listing names Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts among the things Michael works with, alongside the areas below.
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Cancer
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Divorce and separation
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Infidelity
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Mood disorders
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Postpartum depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexuality
- Workplace issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Existential Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Michael directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Michael directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How Narrative and Evidence-Based Methods Work Online
Michael blends Narrative therapy with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when working remotely. Narrative therapy helps people examine the stories they tell about themselves and try out alternative stories that feel more helpful. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy teaches skills for noticing difficult thoughts while choosing actions that match personal values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns.Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made or needs change.
Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility. Video calls are useful for longer conversations and face-to-face interaction. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or to fit a break at work. Live chat and text messaging allow shorter check-ins and ongoing support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and keep consistent momentum toward goals.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of concerns can be addressed in sessions?
Michael works with a broad range of issues including anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy-related problems, grief, stress, bipolar concerns, ADHD, and career or life transitions.
What is the therapeutic style like?
The approach is collaborative and practical. Sessions focus on identifying patterns, trying small changes, and using techniques from Narrative therapy, ACT, CBT, and DBT as needed.
How much experience does this clinician have?
The therapist has 17 years of clinical experience providing psychotherapy and has worked with many different concerns over that time.
What are the clinician's credentials and location?
The therapist holds the LCSW credential, licensed in Tennessee. Practice materials and sessions reflect that licensure and regional practice.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Michael are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Michael where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.
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