Dr. Michael Altekruse, WI Psychologist 2118-57

Dr. Michael Altekruse uses cognitive behavioral therapy alongside client-centered and solution-focused techniques to help people manage everyday struggles. He is a Wisconsin psychologist with 25 years of experience. He speaks English and practices from a straightforward, respectful stance.

He listens first to learn what brought someone to therapy. He asks questions about goals and what gets in the way of reaching them. Sessions focus on practical steps people can try between meetings to change thoughts and behaviors that cause distress.

Over his career he has worked in college counseling centers and a school district, so he has experience with a wide range of concerns. Common areas he addresses include stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting worries, and ADHD. He also helps with issues like attachment, communication problems, feelings of guilt or shame, and midlife transitions.

Therapy with him aims to be collaborative. He describes himself as calm and caring, and he values a sense of humor when it fits. He does not position himself as someone who has all the answers; instead he helps people decide what actions they are willing to take.

Clients can expect clear conversation about goals and barriers, practical tools to try between sessions, and regular check-ins on progress. He recognizes that starting therapy can be difficult and offers steady support as people work toward meaningful change.

How CBT and Client-Centered Work Online

Dr. Altekruse commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. CBT sessions often focus on concrete strategies and short exercises that clients can use between meetings to reduce anxiety, manage mood, or address ADHD-related challenges.

He also draws on client-centered methods that prioritize the person’s perspective and goals. That approach emphasizes listening, building trust, and shaping the work around what matters most to the individual. Together these methods can make sessions practical and personally relevant.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. He will review concerns, goals, and preferences with each person and adjust methods as needed. The work is collaborative - therapist and client decide which tools to try and track how they are helping over time.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for full conversations and visual cues, phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat works for shorter check-ins, and messaging supports ongoing reflection between sessions. These formats offer flexibility to fit schedules and communication styles.