PuttingFamilyFirst

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MA Portrait of Dr. Michael Altekruse
Online therapist

Dr. Michael Altekruse

Practical, person-centered help for parenting and stress

Credentials
WI Psychologist 2118-57
Experience
25 years
Licensed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Michael

Dr. Michael Altekruse uses a straightforward, person-centered approach to therapy. He listens first, then helps parents and individuals sort through stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and relationship or parenting concerns.

He makes room for questions and aims to create practical next steps rather than handing out ready-made answers. Many people find his manner calm and gently humorous, which helps conversations feel easier. With 25 years of professional experience, he has seen a wide range of life changes and mood concerns.

Background and approach

That background includes work in college counseling centers and a school district, giving him experience across age groups and settings. He pays attention to what brought someone to therapy and where they want to go next. Sessions focus on identifying obstacles that keep people from reaching their goals.

He draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to help spot patterns in thinking and behavior. He also uses client-centered techniques to follow each person’s pace and priorities. Motivational interviewing is part of his toolkit when someone needs help finding motivation and direction.

Solution-focused methods are used to build small, achievable steps that lead to steady progress. Together these approaches aim to turn insight into doable actions. Dr.

Altekruse holds the Wisconsin psychologist credential WI Psychologist 2118-57 and practices from Wisconsin. He offers a practical, respectful style intended to help people who want clear, manageable change.

Therapy methods you can use online

Dr. Altekruse commonly combines client-centered work with cognitive behavioral therapy. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening closely and following the pace the person chooses, which helps when someone needs space to talk through parenting stress or relationship struggles. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at thoughts and behaviors to identify patterns and create practical changes, which can help with anxiety, depression, and ADHD-related challenges.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. He will work with each person to decide which methods fit best for their goals and preferences. That collaborative process means techniques can change over time as progress is made and new needs appear.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, respond quickly to arising issues, and keep momentum between meetings. The goal is to make consistent progress in ways that match each person's life and schedule.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he address in therapy?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting concerns, depression, and ADHD, along with related topics like attachment, communication, fatherhood issues, and midlife questions.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His approach is person-centered and collaborative, using clear conversation, practical steps, and occasional humor to help people move forward.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He brings 25 years of professional experience, including roles in college counseling centers and a school district.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds the Wisconsin credential WI Psychologist 2118-57 and practices in Wisconsin.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can he work with clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does the cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time and scheduling follows the therapist's listed availability.

Next step

Talk to Michael

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