IFSTherapists

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LMFT

Michael Southerland, LMFT

  • Experience12 years
  • LocationCalifornia
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, LGBT, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Client-Centered Therapy
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About Michael

Michael Southerland is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 12 years of clinical experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and intimacy- and relationship-related concerns.

Background and approach

He works with clients seeking clearer communication, healthier connection, and relief from persistent worry or low mood, and brings attention to issues commonly experienced in LGBT communities. Michael emphasizes clients' own knowledge and strengths as the foundation for change, inviting collaboration from the very first session.

His work often weaves together Internal Family Systems with client-centered listening and practical cognitive-behavioral strategies, tailoring interventions to what each person finds most useful. He also draws on existential and narrative approaches to help clients explore meaning, identity, and the stories they tell about themselves.

Michael frames therapy as a courageous step toward greater fulfillment and offers steady support throughout the process, helping clients translate insights into everyday shifts. Available to people across California, Michael conducts sessions in English and offers multiple online formats.

He aims to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where clients can address a broad range of concerns including attachment, body image, addiction-related issues, and sexual diversity topics such as kink and BDSM culture.

Integrating Approaches Online for Practical Change



Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a method that helps people understand the different parts of their inner experience and to relate to those parts with curiosity rather than judgment. It can be useful for resolving inner conflict, reducing shame, and calming intense emotions. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathetic listening and creating a nonjudgmental space where clients lead the conversation and the therapist reflects and supports their self-discovery. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines patterns of thought and behavior and offers structured strategies to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve day-to-day functioning.

Choosing the right combination of approaches is a collaborative process. Michael works with each client to identify goals, experiment with techniques, and adjust the plan as needs and preferences become clearer. That collaborative stance helps tailor sessions to practical concerns like relationships, identity, and emotional regulation.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility for people balancing work, family, or other commitments. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, try different therapeutic tools between meetings, and fit therapy into a busy life while working with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michael commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, and LGBT-related concerns, and also addresses a range of additional topics such as attachment, body image, addiction-related issues, and identity questions.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His approach centers on collaboration and respect for the client's expertise about their life, combining Internal Family Systems, client-centered listening, and practical cognitive-behavioral techniques to support change.
What is his professional background?
Michael has 12 years of professional experience working with a variety of emotional and relational concerns and integrates narrative and existential ideas alongside other clinical approaches.
What credentials and location does he hold?
He is a licensed marriage and family therapist with the California license number CA LMFT 87924 and practices in California.
Does he offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available for working with him?
Clients can connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what best suits their needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies based on location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start therapy with him?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

12+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English