- Practical communication help
- Support through transitions
- Focus on relationships
About Michelle
Michelle Clisby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 15 years of experience. She focuses on relationship and family concerns, mood struggles like depression and bipolar, and life transitions that leave people feeling stuck. Her approach is direct and compassionate, aimed at helping people make practical changes that matter to daily life.
She creates a space where thoughts and feelings can be shared without judgment. Sessions emphasize clear communication and realistic next steps. Michelle listens for patterns that get in the way of goals and helps clients try new ways of responding to stress and conflict.
Clients often bring concerns about self-esteem, anxiety, substance use, grief, or intimacy issues. She also supports people dealing with adoption and foster care matters, caregiver stress, blended family dynamics, and end-of-life planning conversations. Work often includes practical coaching around career and life decisions as well as emotional processing.
Her style balances warmth with structure. People can expect a mix of listening, reflective questions, and concrete strategies to practice between sessions. Michelle frames therapy as a collaborative process and checks in regularly to make sure the work fits each person’s goals.
She practices in California and conducts sessions in English. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Therapeutic Approaches and Working Online
Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on practical change and emotional processing. One approach emphasizes building better communication and interaction patterns to reduce conflict and improve closeness; this helps with relationship strain and blended family issues. Another approach concentrates on mood and stress regulation by identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavioral changes, which can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, try approaches that fit those needs, and adjust the plan over time. Clients are invited to give feedback so the methods stay useful and relevant.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, avoid travel time, and check in from a familiar setting. It can also allow shorter or more frequent touchpoints when useful, and let clients choose a session rhythm that suits work, caregiving, or other daily demands.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
15+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Michelle address?
She works with relationship and family difficulties, depression, anxiety, stress, addiction concerns, grief, intimacy issues, and self-esteem challenges.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is warm and direct. She combines listening with practical steps clients can try between sessions.
What level of experience does she have?
Michelle has 15 years of professional experience working with a range of emotional and life transition concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, practicing in California.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How much do sessions cost and how are payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on therapist availability.