Dr. Michael Altekruse, WI Psychologist 2118-57

Dr. Michael Altekruse is a Wisconsin licensed psychologist with more than 25 years of experience. He meets people where they are and focuses on practical steps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. He also helps with relationship and parenting concerns and with ADHD-related challenges.

He starts by listening closely to what brought someone to therapy. Early sessions focus on understanding goals and the patterns that get in the way. He asks straightforward questions about thoughts, behaviors, and daily routines to identify small changes that can make a difference.

Over his career he has worked in college counseling centers and a school district, so he is familiar with life transitions and career pressures as well as family dynamics. That background informs how he frames strategies for communication problems, fatherhood issues, and caregiver stress.

His style is described as calm and caring, and he brings a sense of humor when appropriate. He does not present himself as having all the answers; instead he invites people to choose the actions they are willing to try and to take responsibility for next steps.

If someone is feeling stuck by shame, guilt, isolation, or midlife concerns, he helps break those problems into manageable pieces. The work tends to focus on what the person wants to change and practical ways to get there.

How his approaches shape online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person’s perspective. The therapist offers empathy and reflection so people feel heard and can clarify what they want to change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors keep problems going and uses specific, practical exercises to shift those patterns.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. He will talk with the client about their goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide whether to emphasize listening and exploration, skill-building with CBT, or a mix of methods to match the person’s needs.

The biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm the available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. They also let people continue work during life transitions and caregiver demands without rearranging as much of their day.