
Michael Tidstrand
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
California therapists accepting new clients
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About Michael
I specialize in providing compassionate support to individuals navigating a spectrum of mental health challenges. Drawing from both professional training and personal experiences, I understand the complexities of these struggles firsthand. Clients can expect a nonjudgmental and empathetic environment where they can freely express themselves without fear of stigma or shame. My approach is rooted in creating a secure space where clients feel heard and valued. As a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, I prioritize active listening, curiosity, and reflection. By employing techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy, I help clients explore the intricate connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My goal is to empower clients on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. Together, we’ll uncover the underlying reasons behind presenting issues, fostering meaningful insights and personal growth. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to support you in your path towards a more fulfilling life.
What Michael helps with
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Stress, Anxiety
How Michael works
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
What clients say
- “Michael has been such a genuinely positive part of my healing journey. He creates a space where I feel comfortable being honest, emotional, confused, frustrated… all of it, without ever feeling judged or rushed.<br /> <br /> What I appreciate most is that he doesn’t just sit there & nod along. He listens closely, helps me make sense of things when my thoughts feel all over the place, & gives feedback that is thoughtful, realistic, and actually helpful in real life. He has a calm way of making difficult conversations feel less intimidating.<br /> <br /> Therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you’re trying to work through things you may not always have the words for. Michael has made me feel seen, supported, & understood through that process. I’m very grateful to have found a therapist who is both professional and genuinely compassionate. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking for someone who truly listens & cares.”
- “Michael Tidstrand is a nice individual who listens and gives great feedback. I appreciate his motivating spirit and his general concern with the issue and problems I faced.”
- “I enjoy being able to tell Michael exactly what is on my mind and he responds to me with suggestions and also validates how I may be feeling at the time. I feel like I am crazy and all over the board at times, but he follows what I am saying easily. He is easy to talk things through with and I look forward to being able to speak with him weekly.”
Show all 15 reviews
- “Great guy to vent to. This years had been crazy and I appreciate him helping me”
- “Honestly surprising in his personal text-based follow ups. I did not expect to get interaction more than once every two week check ins, but Michael was nice enough to give me a responsive paragraph every couple days.”
- “Michael has been very helpful in helping me get through a difficult time.”
- “Michael Tidstrand is awesome. He's attentive and supportive and make me feel comfortable opening up and sharing about whatever I may be going through. Great therapist. Awesome person. Very professional.”
- “Great listener, patient with you, pays attention, and responds at just the right time. Can't wait for my next session!”
- “Great listener, always responds in a timely manner, offers many forms of advice and has a great way of understand and connecting with you even through texts. I’m new to therapeutic stuff and I’m not at all the best patient but he understand that and knows how to check in and support me even if I don’t feel like I’m supporting myself, overall I’d say he’s a great therapist and a great person.”
- “Thank you”
- “Hes great”
- “Michael is a fantastic therapist, we’ve worked through a lot together. I appreciate that he leans into written communications so I don’t have to wait for my sessions each week.”
- “Michaels sessions are absolutely fantastic.<br /> <br /> His way of listening and helping me to arrive at useful insights is 10/10.<br /> <br /> Thanks for helping me grow and expand!”
- “Excellent all around”
- “Michael is the best!”
These reviews represent a few of the most recent positive reviews from the therapist's clients on BetterHelp. Some people's experience may be different.





