Michelle Clisby, LCSW
Practical, experienced support for life transitions
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- 15 years experience
- California LCSW
- Relationship focus
About Michelle
She meets people where they are and helps them name what feels hard. Sessions often center on practical steps for coping with stress, anxiety, and life changes. Michelle also offers support for issues like grief, trauma, addiction, and work-related burnout.
Her work includes attention to parenting concerns, blended family dynamics, adoption and foster care questions, and caregiver stress. She helps people navigate communication and commitment problems, separation and divorce issues, and intimacy-related worries. Michelle also supports those dealing with bipolar disorder, ADHD, and compassion fatigue.
When working together she focuses on building realistic goals and small changes that add up over time. Conversations are straightforward and collaborative, with attention to what the person wants to try next. She encourages people to practice new ways of relating and coping between sessions.
People often seek her help for midlife transitions, career stress, and the emptiness that can follow major life shifts. Michelle frames therapy as a process of discovery and steady work, not quick fixes. Those interested in starting are invited to consider whether her practical, down-to-earth style feels like a good match.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
15+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
How evidence-based approaches translate to online work
Michelle practices using evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on clear, practical strategies. One common approach involves identifying unhelpful thinking or behavior patterns and testing small changes to see what helps; this method often helps with anxiety, depression, and low motivation. Another frequent focus is problem-solving and communication skills work, which helps people manage family conflict, parenting strain, and relationship difficulties.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and daily demands and then suggest methods to try together. Clients and the therapist check in and refine the plan as needed rather than committing to a single path at the start.
Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allowing people to connect from wherever works best for them. Because the biography does not specify session formats, confirm current options before booking. Many people find that remote sessions reduce travel time, allow quicker follow-up between appointments, and make scheduling around work and caregiving simpler.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michelle commonly help with?
She supports people facing relationship strain, depression, anxiety, and stress. Other areas include parenting, grief, trauma, addiction, career strain, and midlife transitions.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is straightforward and collaborative. She focuses on practical steps and small changes people can use between sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Michelle has 15 years of professional experience working with a range of concerns including family conflict and motivation issues.
What credential does she hold and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She 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 that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.