About Michelle
Michelle Zaragoza is a licensed clinical social worker in California who helps people manage stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, and career struggles. She has nine years of counseling experience and focuses on practical steps people can use day to day. Michelle works in a straightforward, collaborative way to help clients find what fits them.
She supports people facing life transitions and mood-related challenges. Michelle uses a mix of approaches to match each person's needs.
Background and approach
She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and take committed action. Client-centered methods guide sessions so the person’s goals stay central. She also uses EMDR and narrative work when past events or stories are keeping someone stuck.
Sessions emphasize skills and short-term goals when that is helpful. Michelle also addresses deeper themes such as family of origin issues, guilt and shame, and questions about life purpose. She helps people build self-compassion and navigate workplace stress.
The aim is steady, practical progress rather than quick fixes. Her style is warm and direct. Michelle gives clear feedback and helps clients practice strategies between sessions.
People leave with tools they can use the next day to manage anxiety or handle difficult conversations. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule appointments based on availability. Sessions are offered in English and take place online through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How Michelles Approaches Work Online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while focusing on what matters most to them. It supports action toward values even when emotions are uncomfortable, which is useful for stress, anxiety, and life changes.Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the persons own goals and experiences. The therapist listens closely, reflects whats said, and follows the clients pace to help clarify priorities and build self-trust.
EMDR is a method used when past events or painful memories keep affecting current life. It aims to reduce the emotional charge of those memories so people can move forward with less reactivity.
Choosing the best approach is a team effort. Michelle will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then try approaches that fit. She adjusts the plan over time based on what helps in real life.
Online sessions offer flexibility and access from almost anywhere in California. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction and visual cues. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging make it easier to fit support into busy schedules and to keep up between sessions.
Frequently asked questions
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Career difficulties
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 9 years
- Licensed
- California
- Languages
- English