- Focus and attention
- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma informed care
About Michelle
Michelle Laughlin is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California who helps people manage stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and the challenges of life transitions. She also supports people who are coping with attention and focus concerns such as ADHD. Michelle presents a calm, respectful approach and aims to tailor sessions to each person’s needs.
With four years of professional experience, Michelle focuses on clear, practical steps people can use between sessions. She listens first to understand what matters most, then crafts short-term goals to make daily life more manageable. Sessions often include skills for managing strong emotions, improving concentration, and building self-confidence.
Her work draws on attachment-based ideas to look at relationship patterns, client-centered practices that prioritize the person’s goals, and cognitive behavioral techniques to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also uses elements from dialectical behavior therapy and solution-focused methods when those approaches fit the situation.
Michelle aims to make therapy direct and easy to follow. She checks in about progress and adjusts plans as priorities change. People visiting her tend to leave with clearer steps for handling stress, stronger coping tools, and a better sense of what to try next.
To begin, Michelle asks people to describe current concerns and what they hope to change. From there she works collaboratively to set realistic objectives and build skills for steady improvement.
How these approaches can help online
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how past and current relationship patterns affect emotions and behavior. It can help people notice repeated patterns that cause stress and learn different ways to connect and rely on others. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person’s own goals and pace; the therapist reflects back what the person shares and helps them find their own solutions. This approach suits people who want a supportive, collaborative process. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is practical and skill-based, and often helps with anxiety, low mood, and concentration problems.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michelle will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then suggest methods that fit. That decision is collaborative and may change as progress is made or new challenges emerge.
Please confirm current session options with the provider before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and reduce travel time. They also allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and can help people continue care during life transitions or relocation. Licensed professionals can adapt these approaches to online work so practical skills and coping tools are still the focus.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does Michelle commonly address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, coping with life changes, and ADHD-related focus concerns.
What is her general therapeutic style?
Her style is respectful and practical, listening first then setting clear short-term goals tailored to each person.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Michelle has four years of professional experience working with the concerns listed in her profile.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds an LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Michelle?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.