- ACT techniques
- CBT strategies
- Motivational interviewing
About Frederick
Frrederick "Fred" Cotterman is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with six years in the mental health field. He works with people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and related concerns such as guilt and shame. Fred also supports those facing life changes, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem.
Fred keeps sessions conversational and interactive. He uses clear, practical methods to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try different ways of responding. Expect direct talk about thoughts, behaviors, and small experiments to test new approaches in everyday life.
His background includes work with mood disorders, panic, post-traumatic stress, and substance use. He draws from cognitive behavioral techniques, acceptance and commitment ideas, motivational interviewing, narrative methods, and client-centered ways of working. These approaches are used to address things like impulsivity, attachment concerns, and feelings of abandonment.
When guilt or shame is present, Fred focuses on understanding the story behind those feelings and on actions that reduce their hold. That can mean learning practical skills for coping, shifting unhelpful self-talk, and practicing new choices that line up with a person's values.
Fred asks people what matters most to them and then shapes short-term goals to fit those priorities. He frames therapy as a collaborative effort with clear steps and regular check-ins about progress and next actions.
How Fred uses therapy methods online
Fred commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in his work. ACT focuses on clarifying personal values and taking committed actions even when difficult thoughts or feelings appear. It can help people who carry persistent shame or guilt reconnect with what matters. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to test and shift unhelpful thinking patterns, which is often helpful for anxiety, panic, and depressive symptoms.He also draws on client-centered and motivational interviewing approaches to keep sessions collaborative. That means the therapist and client decide together which methods to try, adjusting based on what helps and what feels manageable. Finding the right mix of techniques is treated as part of the work rather than a one-time prescription.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. In conversation with the therapist, clients and the clinician can pick session lengths and rhythms that suit schedules and goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, bipolar and other mood disorders, ADHD, and guilt and shame.
How would he approach feelings of guilt or shame?
He looks at the story behind the feelings and uses practical steps to reduce their impact, including shifting self-talk and trying different actions that match personal values.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His style is conversational and interactive, using techniques from CBT, ACT, narrative work, and motivational interviewing to set clear steps and experiments between sessions.
What experience does he bring?
He has six years working in the mental health field with clients who have mood disorders, panic, PTSD, substance use concerns, and ADHD.
Where is he licensed and what credential does he hold?
He holds a Licensed Master Social Worker credential (LMSW) and practices in Michigan.
In which languages can sessions be conducted?
Sessions are offered in English.
What are the session formats offered?
The biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does cost and starting work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.