About Michelle
Michelle Laughlin helps people manage stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, ADHD, and major life changes. She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, practicing in California with four years of professional experience. Michelle focuses on clear, practical steps people can use between sessions.
She listens first and then builds a plan that fits each person's daily life. Sessions often include talking through current challenges, learning coping skills, and practicing ways to handle difficult moments.
Background and approach
Her work blends conversation with problem-solving. Michelle draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also uses attachment-based ideas to look at how close relationships affect emotions and reactions.
Michelle emphasizes respect and sensitivity in every meeting. She adapts her approach to each person’s needs and pace. People can expect direct guidance mixed with support and realistic goals.
Over time Michelle helps people strengthen attention, boost confidence, and steady their reactions to stress. She also addresses complex issues like dissociation, communication struggles, control problems, and the effects of past abuse. Her approach is straightforward and focused on what will make daily life calmer and more manageable.
Approaches that translate well to online care
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and current relationships shape emotions and reactions. Online sessions can use this approach to help people notice relationship patterns and practice new ways of relating. Client-Centered Therapy centers on listening and the person’s own goals, offering empathy and acceptance while people decide the pace and focus of change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches specific skills to reduce anxiety and improve focus.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with each person to identify goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust the plan as progress is made. This process is flexible and guided by what the person finds helpful.
Online therapy offers several practical benefits. Video calls let the therapist and client see each other and practice skills in real time. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging make it easier to send quick updates, check in between meetings, or use therapy during a busy day. These options increase flexibility and make regular care easier to fit into everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michelle address?
What is her therapeutic style like?
How much experience does she have?
What credentials and location are listed?
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
In what formats are sessions offered?
How does cost and billing work?
What are the steps to start working together?
Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
Also works with
- Abandonment
- ADHD
- Attachment issues
- Avoidant personality
- Blended family issues
- Co-morbidity
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Coping with life changes
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Dependent personality
- Dissociation
- Domestic violence
- Emptiness
- Fatherhood issues
- First responder issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Workplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 4 years
- Licensed
- California
- Languages
- English