Sheet 1
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
About Michael
WI Psychologist Dr. Michael Altekruse has 25 years of professional experience. He works primarily with stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting concerns, depression, and ADHD. He practices client-centered work alongside cognitive behavioral and solution-focused methods.
Dr. Altekruse begins by learning what brought someone to therapy and what matters most to them. He pays attention to obstacles that keep people from getting what they want. Sessions focus on clear goals and practical steps rather than abstract theory.
His background includes work in college counseling centers and a school district. That experience exposed him to a wide range of ages and problems, including mood disorders, life transitions, and career challenges. He also addresses family of origin issues, attachment and abandonment concerns, fatherhood stress, and caregiver strain.
In practice he asks direct questions and listens for patterns that undercut progress. He uses cognitive behavioral tools to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. He also draws on motivational interviewing to help clarify goals and increase readiness for change.
Dr. Altekruse describes himself as respectful and with a sense of humor, and he invites clients to decide what actions they want to take. He encourages straightforward conversation about blocks, control issues, guilt, shame, impulsivity, and communication problems. The emphasis is on working together to set achievable steps toward the client’s goals.
Sheet 2
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding the client's perspective and priorities. Online sessions using this approach center on listening, clarifying goals, and letting the client's concerns guide the work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. In remote sessions CBT can involve tracking patterns, identifying unhelpful thoughts, and practicing concrete behavior changes between meetings.Deciding which approach to use is part of the process. The therapist collaborates with each person to match methods to their goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't worked before. This means adjusting techniques as progress is reviewed and trying different strategies if needed.
Session formats are not specified in the original biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a weekday or evening routine, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also let people use audio-only options if camera use is difficult or choose longer appointments for deeper work. These practical choices aim to help therapy fit into everyday life.
Sheet 3
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Sheet 4
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, depression, and ADHD. Additional areas include attachment, abandonment, caregiver stress, and mood problems.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses a client-centered approach, listening first to understand what brought someone to therapy. He pairs that with practical techniques from CBT and solution-focused methods.
How much experience does he have?
He has 25 years of professional experience working in college counseling centers and a school district. That work exposed him to a wide range of ages and concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Wisconsin psychologist, credential WI Psychologist 2118-57, and practices in Wisconsin.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an initial session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.