- Stress and anxiety
- Parenting and fatherhood
- CBT and client-centered
About Michael
Dr. Michael Altekruse is a Wisconsin psychologist (WI Psychologist 2118-57) with 25 years of professional experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, parenting questions, depression, ADHD, and life purpose concerns. He has worked in college counseling centers and a school district and brings that practical background to sessions.
He begins by listening closely to what brought someone to therapy. He asks about goals and the obstacles that get in the way of making changes. Conversations focus on specific problems and on steps a person is willing to try to move forward.
Sessions commonly address attachment and abandonment concerns, family of origin issues, fatherhood and parenting stress, and problems with communication or control. He also helps people manage guilt, shame, impulsivity, isolation, and mood problems. Midlife concerns and questions about life purpose are included in his stated focus areas.
His clinical approach draws on client-centered work, cognitive behavioral methods, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques. That means he typically listens for what matters most, looks at patterns of thinking and behavior, helps boost motivation for change, and identifies practical next steps.
He describes his style as respectful, sensitive, and with a sense of humor. He does not position himself as someone with all the answers; instead he expects clients to choose how they want to tackle their concerns. The first step can feel difficult, and he recognizes the effort it takes to begin.
How his therapeutic approaches work online
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person’s experience. The therapist reflects what matters most, helping people clarify goals and identify what they want to change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior that keep problems going. It often involves trying small experiments, tracking thoughts and testing new actions that can reduce anxiety or mood problems.Choosing the most helpful approach is a shared process. He will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has helped or not helped before. Together they decide which methods to emphasize and adjust the plan as needed based on progress and feedback.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. It can also allow sessions that focus on practical problem solving, structured CBT exercises, or motivational conversations to proceed without rearranging a whole day.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, parenting questions, depression, ADHD, and life purpose issues, plus related topics like attachment, guilt, and midlife concerns.
How does he approach people who feel stuck or directionless?
He starts by listening and clarifying goals, then looks at what blocks progress and what actions a person is willing to try to move forward.
How much experience does he have?
He has 25 years of professional work experience, including time in college counseling centers and a school district.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Wisconsin psychologist listed as WI Psychologist 2118-57 and practices in Wisconsin.
Does he offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.