Licensed Psychologist · PSYPACT · Trained in EFT
Meet Dr. Strand.
In my therapy practice, I have the privilege of helping clients as they overcome some of the most difficult times in their lives. As a Licensed Psychologist, I have specialized, doctoral-level training in a wide range of effective therapies and practices.
Michael Strand, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist in Texas since 2017
Fully trained in EFT and Gottman · PSYPACT
Who I help
It takes real courage to reach out and ask for help.
When clients first contact me for a consult, they are often suffering with difficult situations that can feel overwhelming and exhausting. In the midst of pain, it's common for those who reach out to feel stuck and uncertain about how to move forward. Many people will feel unsure if therapy can even help.
So I am consistently inspired, on a daily basis, by the strength and resolve I get to witness every time a client sits down in the therapy room with me.
Who I see
Couples and individuals, including therapy for men.
What I help with
Infidelity and betrayal, compulsive sexual behavior, entrenched conflict, ADHD and neurodiversity in relationships, and couples deciding whether to stay together.
How I work
Emotionally Focused Therapy (fully trained), Gottman Method (Level 3 training), Internal Family Systems (Level 2 training), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and motivational interviewing. How I work
Fees and insurance
$275 for 50 minutes and $400 for 90 minutes, the same for individuals and couples. Out-of-network for new clients, with superbills for your out-of-network benefits. Fees and insurance
Where and when
In the office in Austin on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and online in Texas and most U.S. states through PSYPACT on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Reviews
4.9 average from 15 reviews on Google. Read what clients have said
All services provided within an LGBTQIA+ affirming and anti-racist practice.
"The truth is, you deserve to get out of that struggle, and to live a life that isn't dictated by feelings of anxiety, worry, sadness, and shame."
Dr. Strand
Your relationship with your partner feels like it's falling apart.
The fighting is increasing. Intimacy is decreasing. You don't feel connected like you used to. It feels like you've tried everything, but nothing works. You worry that if things don't radically change, this relationship won't last.
You've learned to "suck it up" and "try harder" to manage your stress, but you're just treading water.
You're driven, you're a problem solver, and you work hard. But these days, it seems that no matter how hard you try, there's no lasting relief from the stress and worry, and it's starting to take a toll on your relationships, health, or overall sense of well-being.
You've learned to cope by distracting yourself with whatever "feels good."
Whether the relief comes from stress eating, alcohol, television, sex, drugs, sleep, or any other habits … none of it truly makes the problems go away, and it all just keeps piling up and getting worse. You can't help but feel stuck.
You're experiencing challenges within your relationships with family, friends, or co-workers.
Maybe old problems in your relationships seem to just keep popping up, or a recent stressful event has led to upheaval. You do your best to make others happy, but it seems that no matter what you do, it's never quite "good enough." Either way, so much of this is out of your control, and it is hard to know how to move forward.
You've experienced trauma, loss, or a major life transition.
It's like your world is getting flipped upside down, and it is hard to make sense of it all. Your mind may be racing trying to figure it out, but no matter how much you try, there are no satisfying solutions. Maybe you can't help but despair over your loss. You might start to fear what will happen now and in the future. Maybe you've been coping in ways that once served you well, but now it's like things just keep getting worse.
What clients have said.
I have worked with many therapists in my life, but none have helped me like Dr. Strand. I have been recommending him to everyone I know.
He was very kind and made me feel very comfortable in a situation that was very difficult. This was my first experience with mental health providers, and he not only provided good insight … but also helped me feel heard and validated my concerns.
Dr. Strand is very informative in his field. He is very personable, understandable, and helps me a great deal with my issues. He seems to always know what is going on with me.
Dr. Strand is amazingly wonderful, caring, friendly, and so easy to talk to. He is helping me so much. I feel like his expertise and caring attitude helps so much in my healing.
Teaching, supervision, and training
I've taught students, supervised residents, and trained medical teams.
TEACHING
SUNY Buffalo and James Madison University.
As a graduate student, I taught Psychology 101, Child Psychology, and Statistical Methods.
SUPERVISION
Baylor Scott & White Health.
I provided clinical supervision to psychiatry residents and psychology postdoctoral fellows.
TRAINING
Nurses, physicians, and an Austin company.
In the Department of Family Medicine, I frequently provided in-service trainings to nurses and physicians on topics such as motivational interviewing and burnout. In recent years, I led similar training as a consultant to a private company here in Austin.
A little more about me
"There was nothing more meaningful to me than learning to understand why people think, feel, and behave the way they do."
Dr. Strand
My journey to becoming a psychologist began as an angsty teenager, struggling with my own social anxiety and self-doubt. I was introspective and always searching for answers to understand myself, my relationships, and the world around me. I yearned for more connection and emotional support than the world had shown me, and I had no idea how to meet that need for myself. However, I also deeply cared about others, and my volunteer work as a teen showed me the potential for human connection through serving others.
Then, that angsty teen took his first Psych 101 course, and it was a game-changer. I knew I wanted to learn as much as I could and use that knowledge to help others.
First, I earned a MA in Psychology at SUNY Buffalo, where I specialized in clinical work with kids, teens, and adults. I developed skill in providing psychological assessment and therapy, facilitated parent training workshops, and taught psychology undergraduate courses. Additionally, I conducted some fascinating research looking at the effects of treatments on cognitive abilities in kids with ADHD. As a psychologist-in-training at the time, I was proud to have that research published in scientific journals and presented at national conferences.
I earned my doctorate in psychology (PsyD) from James Madison University, where I gained valuable experience in working in many settings: hospitals, counseling centers, community clinics, and schools. I completed my training with a doctoral internship at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, where I provided behavioral health services to veterans, and also provided executive coaching to leadership in VA medical centers across the US. I then completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Baylor Scott & White Health, where I provided high quality therapy and assessment services to patients and couples. I also supervised and taught psychiatry medical residents and psychology interns.
As a fully licensed psychologist, I began my career working in Family Medicine. I had the privilege of working closely and collaboratively with other medical providers, offering integrative psychological services to teens, adults, and families. Working in that interdisciplinary setting taught me the value of addressing the "whole person": considering how our mental health, physical health, and social relationship health are all interconnected in influencing our well-being. During that time, I also provided in-services and coaching services to providers and staff at various clinical locations across the central Texas region.
Now, with the founding of Connected Counseling & Wellness, all of my experience has provided me the opportunity to offer transformative therapeutic support to teens, adults, and couples here in Texas and across the country. It is truly my dream job and the greatest privilege of my life.
Training and credentials
Education, licensure, and specialty training.
Education
PsyD, Doctor of Psychology, James Madison University
MA, Psychology, SUNY Buffalo
BA, Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, University of Central Florida
Licensure
Licensed Psychologist, License #37668 (Texas)
National Register of Health Service Psychologists, HSP, ID: 65597
PSYPACT E.Passport, Mobility Number: 12445
Couples training
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), fully trained
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 and Level 2 Trainings, with John Gottman, PhD & Julie Gottman, PhD
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 3 Training, with Kimberly Panganiban, PhD & Bill Bumberry, PhD
Treating Affairs & Trauma advanced training, with John Gottman, PhD & Julie Gottman, PhD
Couples & Addiction Recovery advanced training, with John Gottman, PhD & Julie Gottman, PhD
Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work Eworkshop leader training, Gottman Institute
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 2 Training: Intimacy From the Inside Out [IFIO], with John Palmer and Sallie Engle, IFS Institute
Further training
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 Training, with Paul Ginter, Ed.D, IFS Institute
Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Psychedelics Training, with Robert Falconer, Life Architect
Somatic Parts Work Training Retreat, with Fran Booth, Life Architect
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Mastery Training, with Robyn Walser, PhD
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Advanced Training, with Steven Hayes, PhD
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intensive "Bootcamp" training, with Steve Hayes, PhD, Robyn Walser, PhD, and Kelly Wilson, PhD
Motivational Interviewing & Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) advanced specialty training
"Outside of work, you'll find me spending as much time as possible being active and enjoying the outdoors. I'm also a huge nerd when it comes to music and coffee."
Dr. Strand
Start with a call.
Fifteen minutes, free. You tell me what's going on, and we work out together whether this is the right fit.