- Warm and interactive
- Practical coping skills
- Trauma-informed perspective
About Frederick
Frederick "Fred" Cotterman is an LMSW with six years of experience in the mental health field. He has supported people dealing with depression, anxiety, panic, mood disorders, substance use, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. Fred approaches clients with respect, sensitivity, and a nonjudgmental attitude. He aims to create a calm, supportive space for people to begin difficult conversations.
Fred’s background includes work with those who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. He combines several practical approaches, including cognitive behavioral methods and client-centered listening. Sessions focus on clear, manageable steps rather than jargon-filled talks.
His style is described as warm, caring, and interactive. Fred adapts conversations and plans to each person’s needs instead of using one fixed method. He prefers to meet people where they are and move at a pace that feels right for them.
Common topics he helps people address include stress, relationship concerns, grief, intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue. He also supports people navigating abandonment, attachment concerns, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and control issues.
Fred uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and client-centered work. He encourages clients to set goals, try small changes, and reflect on progress between sessions. To start, he asks people to share what matters most to them and then builds a plan from there.
How therapy approaches come to life online
Fred commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in straightforward ways. ACT helps people notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that reflect their values, which can help with anxiety, depression, or life changes. Client-centered work focuses on being heard and understood, building trust and self-direction. CBT looks at patterns of thought and behavior and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful habits and reduce symptoms.Figuring out the right approach is part of the work. Fred treats this as a collaborative process and will talk with each person about goals and preferences. Together you can try one approach or mix methods until something fits the way you want to work.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow for flexible timing around work or caregiving. They also let people use phone-only check-ins when a quick conversation is helpful or choose video when face-to-face interaction matters. Ask about the available session formats when you complete the matching questionnaire so arrangements match your needs and daily life.
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 Fred often help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, bipolar and depression, and other mood disorders.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Fred’s approach is warm, caring, and interactive. He focuses on respectful listening and practical steps you can try between sessions.
What kind of experience does he bring?
He has six years of experience in the mental health field working with a range of symptoms and life challenges.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and is based in Michigan.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.