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Michael Valdes

Therapist profile

Michael Valdes, LCSW

Tennessee

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Anger and Relationships

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Key details

  • CredentialsLCSW
  • LicenseLCSW, Tennessee / 5691
  • NPI1841544178
  • Experience17 years
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • LocationTennessee

About

  • ACT methods
  • CBT techniques
  • Client-centered approach

About Michael

Michael Valdes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Tennessee with 17 years of experience. He works with adults dealing with anger alongside related concerns such as anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship strain, and grief. He aims to help people manage sudden outbursts, built-up resentment, and frustration that shows up at work or at home.

Michael uses straightforward, evidence-informed methods to help people notice patterns and try new responses. Sessions focus on clear skills and everyday steps rather than lengthy theory. He often draws on acceptance and commitment ideas, cognitive-behavioral tools, and client-centered listening to help people practice different choices when strong feelings arise.

In therapy he helps people name triggers, test small behavior changes, and track what works. He also addresses related issues like communication problems, control struggles, commitment doubts, and intimacy concerns. For someone coping with loss, trauma, or substance issues, he combines practical coping strategies with longer term perspective work.

Michael has worked across a range of concerns including ADHD, bipolar symptoms, compassion fatigue, and sexual or relationship diversity such as BDSM and kink. He offers a direct, nonjudgmental approach that helps clients break cycles of guilt, shame, and avoidance. Sessions are aimed at real-life adjustments people can keep using after therapy ends.

People who want clear steps for managing temper, repairing relationships, or reducing stress may find his methods useful. He asks questions, listens, and suggests manageable practices clients can try between meetings.

How sessions work

How his approaches translate to online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting pushed around by them, then moving toward chosen values. It can help with anger that feels automatic or overwhelming. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies unhelpful thoughts and tests small behavioral changes to reduce reactivity; it is useful for workplace anger and relationship patterns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes attentive listening and reflective feedback so clients can make their own decisions about change.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He will talk with each person about goals, try methods in session, and adjust based on what actually helps. Expect a mix of skill practice, reflection, and follow-up tasks chosen together rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.

Session formats were not specified in the original profile, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a weekly routine, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and reduce travel time. These practical features let people try skills between meetings and bring real situations back into conversation.

Areas of focus

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

Listed in

Tennessee

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of anger issues does he help with?

He works with adults who struggle with snapping at loved ones, workplace frustration, resentment, and anger that follows trauma or grief.

What is his general therapy style?

He uses practical, skills-based methods and listening-based sessions. Expect concrete tools and short exercises to try between meetings.

How much experience does he have?

He has 17 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Where is he based and licensed?

He practices in Tennessee and holds the TN LCSW credential.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English only.

Can people outside the United States work with him?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions paid for?

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 the first session.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.

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Michael Valdes

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