Michael Aranda, LCPC, LMFT - Therapist in Montana

About Michael

Michael Aranda is a licensed clinician practicing in Montana. He holds LCPC and LMFT credentials and brings six years of experience helping people handle a wide range of challenges. Parents and caregivers may find his work relevant because he lists family and parenting among his focus areas.

He also supports people dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship and intimacy concerns, anger, addiction, grief, and sleep difficulties. His background includes work with LGBTQ+ people, communities of color, people of faith, military and first responder populations, and those affected by domestic violence and relationship transitions.

Background and approach

He emphasizes an affirming, culturally responsive approach that aims to respect each person's story and identity. In sessions he uses practical, evidence-informed methods and adapts them to each person’s needs. That can mean learning skills to manage mood and anxiety, practicing new ways to communicate, or working through traumatic memories at a manageable pace.

He also helps people think through parenting strain, family communication problems, and the impact of major life changes. Michael describes his role as a partner in the work. He aims to move at a client's pace and to balance short-term problem solving with deeper healing.

The first meeting typically focuses on what someone most needs and how to set simple, clear goals. Readers who want to begin are invited to use the site's Start Therapy flow to match and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

How specific approaches are used in online therapy

Michael often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with concrete behavioral steps to reduce anxiety and depression. He also uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for processing traumatic memories by combining focused recall with guided bilateral stimulation; this can help when traumatic events continue to cause distress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques may be used to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills for people struggling with intense emotions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't worked before, then recommend ways to try different techniques and track progress together. Clients are encouraged to give feedback so the plan can be adjusted as needed.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. They also let people practice skills in the settings where challenges occur, which can speed learning and make changes more practical.

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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

EMDR

A structured protocol used with distressing memories, pairing recall with guided attention tasks. Some therapists adapt it for video sessions; whether that fits is worth asking about directly.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Michael address?

He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, anger, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping problems, parenting and self-esteem, among other concerns.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

He blends practical, evidence-informed approaches and adapts them to each person's needs, aiming for clear goals and usable skills in day-to-day life.

What is his clinical and professional background?

He has six years of experience working as a licensed clinician and works with a range of identity and community contexts, including LGBTQ+ people, military and first responder populations, and communities of color.

Where is he based and what are his credentials?

He practices in Montana and holds LCPC and LMFT credentials, listed as MT LCPC and MT LMFT.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

He is not currently working with international clients.

How are fees and payments handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 6 years
Licensed: Montana
Languages: English

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