In-Person in Austin, TX 78746
Online in
PSYPACT states
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, CNMI, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Hey there! I’m Mike Strand, an experienced psychologist with over 15 years of dedication to guiding individuals on their journey of self-improvement. My expertise lies in helping clients overcome emotional challenges to enhance personal growth and strengthen relationships. I recognize that seeking support can be difficult, which is why I will strive to make therapy as welcoming and approachable as possible. Our sessions are collaborative, tailored to your specific needs, facilitating deep and lasting transformation.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+, Men, Military / Veterans, Persons with Disabilities clients.
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: As a Licensed Psychologist, I have advanced, doctoral-level training in a broad range of effective therapies and practices to help my clients get "unstuck," overcome their challenges and thrive. However, you are the true authority on yourself and your life. During therapy sessions with me, we will merge that expertise. Whether it's individual or couples therapy, we will collaborate to: 1) fully grasp the issues prompting therapy; 2) establish objectives aligned with your priorities; and 3) devise a treatment strategy to guide you towards enduring positive changes.
Therapy may encompass various therapeutic methods customized to suit your specific requirements, preferences, and objectives. Throughout the process, we will formulate new approaches to tackle your obstacles, equip you with psychological tools, and identify pragmatic solutions to achieve your aspirations.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $225
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I reserve a limited number of sliding appointment slots per week for clients demonstrating financial need. The lowest end of the fee scale for a 53-minute visit = $150 (usually $225). Rates vary based on household income and visit length. For clients interested in more information regarding reduced rate options, please reach out via email or phone.
- Accepts Insurance
- I am considered “in network” with Aetna. I am considered out-of-network with all other plans.
Education & Credentials
Dr. Mike Strand PsyD
- Male
- License # 37668
- Licensed in TEXAS
- PSYPACT Mobility # 12445
- Practicing Since 2008
Education: PsyD, Doctor of Psychology, from James Madison University
MA, Psychology, from SUNY Buffalo
BA, Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, from University of Central Florida
Dr. Mike Strand Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Austin, TX 78746
- Available Online for residents of PSYPACT states Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, CNMI, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
In my counseling practice, I have the honor of supporting clients as they navigate through some of the most challenging times in their lives. When clients initially contact me for a consultation, they are often facing tough situations that may seem overwhelming and draining. Amidst the struggles, it’s typical for those seeking help to feel stagnant and unsure about the way forward. Many individuals may question the effectiveness of therapy. The reality is that it requires genuine bravery to seek assistance. I am consistently motivated, every day, by the resilience and determination I witness each time a client joins me in the counseling space. By engaging in therapy, my clients are already demonstrating their potential — taking courageous steps, despite any apprehension, to prioritize their well-being and self-care.
Here are some common concerns often addressed in therapy —
Your relationship with your partner may feel strained. Arguments are on the rise. Intimacy is dwindling. You feel disconnected compared to before. Despite trying various solutions, nothing seems to work. There's a concern that without significant change, this relationship may not survive.
You've adopted a "push through" and "do more" approach to handle stress, but it's not providing lasting relief. You're ambitious, a problem-solver, and diligent. Yet, lately, no matter how much effort you put in, stress and worry persist without long-term respite, impacting your relationships, health, or overall well-being.
You've resorted to distracting yourself with temporary comforts. Whether it's stress eating, alcohol, TV, sex, drugs, sleep, or other habits... none of it truly resolves the underlying issues, only adding up to more challenges. You feel trapped in this cycle.
You're facing difficulties in your relationships with family, friends, or colleagues. Past issues resurface, or recent stressful events have caused disruption. Despite your efforts to please others, it seems like your actions never quite meet their expectations. Many aspects feel beyond your control, making it hard to progress.
You've encountered trauma, loss, or significant life changes. It's as if your world has turned upside down, leaving you puzzled. You may be overwhelmed trying to find answers, only to face more questions. Perhaps you're struggling with grief and fearing the unknown ahead.
Your previous coping methods may have worked before, but now they seem to worsen things. You deserve to break free from this struggle and lead a life not dictated by persistent stress, fear, guilt, or despair.