- Values-driven work
- 17 years experience
- Michigan-based clinician
About Toni
Toni Hernalsteen is a Licensed Master Social Worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, relationship strain, and life transitions. She works with individuals and uses straightforward talk and practical steps to help clients move forward. Toni practices from Michigan and brings 17 years of experience to sessions.
She focuses on uncovering motivation and helping people stick with change. Toni uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to challenge unhelpful thinking and build actions that match values. She also draws on client-centered and mindfulness approaches to help people notice what matters and stay present.
Toni takes a creative, outside-the-box stance when needed. That can mean trying different exercises, metaphors, or homework until something fits the person in front of her. Sessions typically involve listening, gentle feedback, and clear steps to try between meetings.
Her background includes work with addictions, aging concerns, caregiving stress, chronic illness, and issues like body image, communication problems, and codependency. She has experience supporting people through divorce, domestic violence, and grief as well as anger and intimacy-related struggles.
Toni says she treats people with respect and compassion and adapts the plan to each person's needs. To start, she asks a few questions to match goals and then builds a plan together. She encourages the small first step and recognizes that beginning therapy can take courage.
She focuses on uncovering motivation and helping people stick with change. Toni uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to challenge unhelpful thinking and build actions that match values. She also draws on client-centered and mindfulness approaches to help people notice what matters and stay present.
Toni takes a creative, outside-the-box stance when needed. That can mean trying different exercises, metaphors, or homework until something fits the person in front of her. Sessions typically involve listening, gentle feedback, and clear steps to try between meetings.
Her background includes work with addictions, aging concerns, caregiving stress, chronic illness, and issues like body image, communication problems, and codependency. She has experience supporting people through divorce, domestic violence, and grief as well as anger and intimacy-related struggles.
Toni says she treats people with respect and compassion and adapts the plan to each person's needs. To start, she asks a few questions to match goals and then builds a plan together. She encourages the small first step and recognizes that beginning therapy can take courage.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
17+ years
Credentials
Michigan
Languages
English
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings and then choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions where someone wants clearer direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses small experiments and practice to change unhelpful patterns. That approach is often used for mood, worry, and sleep issues.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, try methods that fit their situation, and adjust plans based on what helps. Clients and the therapist decide collaboratively which tools to use and when to switch tactics.
Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow for shorter check-ins when time is limited, or avoid travel on difficult days. It also lets therapists use worksheets, guided mindfulness exercises, and real-time coaching during everyday routines, helping people practice skills between meetings.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Toni help with?
She helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep problems, parenting stress, anger, self-esteem, career changes, ADHD, and related challenges.
What is her general therapeutic style?
She uses a practical, collaborative style that blends cognitive behavioral techniques, acceptance and commitment ideas, client-centered listening, and mindfulness skills to set small, doable goals.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Toni has 17 years of professional work experience supporting individuals, couples, and groups in a range of settings.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker - practicing in Michigan.
Which languages are used in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she see international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions priced and paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps should I take to begin working together?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.