LCSW-Therapists

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Michelle Varady, LCSW

Compassionate support for lasting change

Credential held
LCSW
Practises from
California
Years in practice
10
Languages
English
Methods listed
7
Sessions
Online

About Michelle

Michelle Varady is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ten years of experience helping people in California and beyond. She focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, low self-esteem, depression, grief, sleep problems, bipolar mood concerns, coping with life changes, and ADHD. Michelle speaks English and works with international clients as well.

She combines practical tools with an emphasis on understanding how past wounds influence present behavior. Sessions often include concrete skills from cognitive behavioral therapy to change unhelpful thoughts and patterns.

Book with Michelle Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Background and approach

Dialectical behavior strategies and mindfulness practices are used to manage intense emotions and reduce reactivity. Michelle also brings somatic ideas into sessions to help people notice how their body holds stress or trauma. She aims to make therapy feel straightforward and manageable, with steps people can try between meetings.

Her background as an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - informs a broad view of emotional and life challenges. Over a decade of practice has given her experience with addiction-related concerns, mood disorders, panic, personality issues, and complex grief. She frames work as collaborative and values the client’s own knowledge about their life.

Michelle prefers clear goals and measurable progress while remaining flexible to changing needs. Sessions are offered through video, phone, live chat, or text messaging. The service uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule based on availability.

How Michelle’s approaches work in online therapy

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It helps with anxiety, depression, panic, and patterns that keep people stuck by teaching practical exercises and homework to practice between sessions.

DBT, or dialectical behavior therapy, teaches skills for managing intense emotions and improving distress tolerance. It includes techniques for emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and staying grounded during crises. Mindfulness therapy supports noticing thoughts and body sensations without judgment to reduce reactivity and improve focus.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will listen to goals and concerns, try methods that match those needs, and adjust plans over time. Clients and therapist check progress together and shift strategies when something is not working.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and skill practice. Phone sessions work well when a quieter space is needed or bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text are useful for quick check-ins, brief coaching, or when typing feels easier than talking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and keep continuity during changes in routine.
Book with Michelle Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michelle commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, depression, grief, sleep problems, bipolar symptoms, coping with life changes, and ADHD among other related issues.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style blends practical skills with body-focused awareness. Sessions often include CBT skills, DBT strategies, mindfulness, and somatic techniques to manage symptoms and build coping tools.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has ten years of professional experience working with people on a range of mood, addiction, trauma, and stress-related concerns.
What credential and location information is on record?
She is listed as LCSW with license numbers CA LCSW 129263 and NV LCSW 11399-C, and practices in California.
Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different preferences and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How does someone begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.