- Client-centered approach
- Practical strategies
- Calm supportive style
About Michael
Dr. Michael Altekruse is a licensed psychologist in Wisconsin with 25 years of experience. He focuses on everyday struggles like stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, parenting concerns, and ADHD. He aims to create a calm, respectful space where people can talk through what brought them to therapy and consider practical next steps.
He draws on client-centered work to understand each person’s goals and on cognitive behavioral techniques to spot patterns that keep problems going. Motivational interviewing helps when people feel stuck about making changes. He also uses solution-focused methods to set clear, manageable steps forward.
He asks about what blocks progress and what a successful outcome would look like. Sessions are collaborative - the client sets priorities and Dr. Altekruse helps weigh options and plan actions. He emphasizes simple, realistic strategies that fit into daily life rather than neat fixes.
Dr. Altekruse has worked in college counseling centers and a school district, so he has seen many kinds of life transitions and challenges over time. That background informs how he talks about career stress, parenting pressures, and midlife questions.
He describes himself as respectful, sensitive, and often calming, with a sense of humor. He won’t claim to have all the answers, but he will help people identify steps they are willing to try and support those efforts along the way.
Approaches that guide online work and wellbeing
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding what matters to the client. It helps people clarify their values and decide what goals feel right for them. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at the thoughts and routines that keep problems going and teaches practical techniques to change them. These approaches are helpful for anxiety, mood concerns, work stress, and managing daily routines.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they decide whether to emphasize listening and exploration, CBT skill work, or a mix that fits the situation.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session options before booking as formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, shorten check-ins when time is limited, or avoid travel between appointments. Therapists can use active skill teaching, homework planning, and focused conversations that translate well to remote sessions, supporting work and wellbeing in day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns are addressed?
Common issues include stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, parenting challenges, and ADHD. He also works with related topics like attachment, guilt, isolation, and life purpose.
What is the therapist's style in sessions?
He uses a client-centered style that focuses on understanding your goals and what matters to you. Sessions are practical and collaborative, with attention to steps you can try between meetings.
How much experience does the therapist have?
He has 25 years of professional experience, including work in college counseling centers and a school district. That background informs work with life transitions and career-related stress.
What are the therapist's credentials and location?
He is a Wisconsin psychologist with the credential WI Psychologist 2118-57 and practices in Wisconsin.
Are sessions offered in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with this therapist?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.