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LCSW

Michael Valdes, LCSW

  • Experience17 years
  • LocationTennessee
  • Focus areasADHD, Addictions, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Client-Centered Therapy
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About Michael

Michael Valdes is a Tennessee-based LCSW with 17 years of clinical practice who partners with adults navigating addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship and intimacy challenges, grief, and related life stresses.

Background and approach

He approaches each person as an individual, drawing on a mix of evidence-informed methods to support growth, increased self-understanding, and practical coping skills. Michael frames therapy as collaborative work aimed at helping clients clarify values, improve communication, and manage difficult emotions and behaviors.

His background in social work informs a compassionate, person-centered stance that blends cognitive and behavioral strategies with mindfulness and acceptance-based practices. Michael also brings experience addressing complex concerns such as trauma and abuse, sexual and relationship diversity issues including BDSM and kink, substance use, compassion fatigue, and career-related distress.

He adapts interventions to match what a client needs in the moment while maintaining a goal-oriented focus on long-term well-being.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Support

Michael integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into his online practice. ACT helps clients clarify what matters most to them and teaches skills to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking committed action toward valued goals. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and many stress-related concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he treats approach selection as collaborative. He listens to a client’s concerns, goals, and preferences and tailors techniques from ACT, CBT, or other methods to fit the person’s needs rather than using a single preset model.

Online therapy sessions are offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility in how people connect. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access support from a licensed professional from wherever one is located in Tennessee.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Michael focus on?
He works with a broad range of issues including addictions, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, relationship and intimacy-related problems, and work or career stress.
What is his therapeutic style and approach?
Michael blends client-centered care with approaches such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and existential therapy to combine practical skill-building with values exploration and emotional processing.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 17 years of experience providing psychotherapy across a range of mental health and interpersonal concerns.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
Michael holds the LCSW credential and is licensed in Tennessee as TN LCSW 5691.
Which languages and international availability apply?
Services are provided in English, and he is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered for online work?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different communication preferences.
How are fees and subscription handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working with him?
To get started select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCancerCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualityWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

17+ years

Licensed

Tennessee

Languages

English

About

Michael Valdes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Tennessee, with 17 years of experience, not currently accepting new clients.