Toni Hernalsteen , LMSW

Toni Hernalsteen is a licensed social worker in Michigan with 17 years of professional experience supporting individuals, couples, and groups through life transitions and complex challenges. She holds an LMSW, which indicates she is a Licensed Master Social Worker, and an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential in Michigan (CAADC), reflecting specialized training in substance use concerns.

Over the years she has helped people manage stress and anxiety, cope with addictions, navigate grief and loss, address depression, and work through relationship and aging-related issues. Toni combines creativity and practical problem solving, often thinking outside the box to locate motivation and help clients persevere through difficult periods. Her approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as well as Family Systems and Client-Centered methods, and she has received additional training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness.

Toni emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in every interaction. She practices active listening and collaborates with clients to tailor dialogue and treatment plans to their unique needs, creating a space for reflection and growth. She recognizes that beginning therapy takes courage and affirms each person for taking that first step.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify their values and take meaningful steps even when difficult thoughts or feelings arise. It is useful for stress, anxiety, and life transitions by teaching acceptance strategies and committed action.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist follows the client's lead. This approach helps people gain self-understanding and confidence to address relationship, grief, or self-esteem concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, offering practical skills to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other challenges through structured exercises and problem solving.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Toni works with each person to explore which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy makes these approaches more accessible through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options provide scheduling flexibility, easier access from home or work, and multiple ways to communicate so clients can select the format that best supports their participation and consistency in care.