Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson brings a rare combination of long-term hands-on experience and clinical training to his work. He spent twenty-five years working as a millwright in heavy industry and went through his own process of understanding depression, anxiety, addiction, failed relationships, and a persistent dissatisfaction with his place in life. Those years of frustration and moments of desperation informed his decision to study and practice therapy.

He is a master’s-level clinician and a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Minnesota. That professional training builds on a lifetime of personal experience in the process of becoming, and it informs his focus on tools that promote understanding and a stronger foundation for personal growth. He is also a professional singer and photographer, pursuits that reflect an emerging creative potential he values personally and professionally.

Michael often quotes Picasso’s idea that “the meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away,” and he channels that belief into guiding others through ongoing self-discovery. He helps clients work through impasses and the resistance that can block personal growth.

His clinical toolbox includes dialectical behavioral therapy with an emphasis on mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy to identify and change recurring patterns of thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, anger management, trauma-informed care that asks “What happened to you?” rather than “What’s wrong with you?” and somatic-focused approaches. He works with a wide range of concerns including stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship and family conflicts, grief and intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping disorders, anger management, self-esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, ADHD, coping with life changes, coaching needs, compassion fatigue, and support for LGBT clients.

If a practical, grounded approach to change and self-discovery is the direction someone wants to take, Michael invites them to consider beginning that journey together.