- Years in practice
- 15
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- California
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Relationship issues
- Focus
- Family conflicts
- Focus
- Self esteem
About Michelle
Michelle Clisby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with fifteen years of experience offering practical help to people facing relationship and parenting challenges. She practices in California and speaks English. She focuses on clear, down-to-earth support to help people feel more confident and steady in daily life.
Her approach is direct and collaborative. She creates a calm space where clients can talk about what matters without judgment. Conversations focus on real problems like stress, anxiety, depression, or struggles with self-esteem and motivation.
Background and approach
Michelle helps people sort through family and parenting concerns, communication breakdowns, and issues tied to adoption, blended families, or caregiving stress. She also addresses grief, trauma and abuse, substance use, intimacy and commitment issues, and work-related or career worries.
Sessions may include practical tools for coping with life changes, strategies to reduce anger or impulsive behavior, and steps to rebuild trust after infidelity or separation. She supports clients navigating bipolar disorder, ADHD, or compassion fatigue with routine-based recommendations and pacing strategies. Therapy is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules.
Getting started involves a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a first session. Michelle aims to help people make steady, manageable progress toward their goals.
What Michelle works with
Everything Michelle lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Michelle helps people with.
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coaching
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Adoption and foster care
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Blended family issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-love
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
How evidence-based techniques translate to online care
Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills and real-life problem solving. One common approach emphasizes structured coping strategies - teaching step-by-step methods to manage anxiety, mood swings, or overwhelming stress. These techniques help people build routines and small habits that reduce day-to-day distress.Another approach centers on communication and relationship work. This involves learning clearer ways to express needs, set boundaries, and repair connection after conflict. It is useful for parenting challenges, blended family dynamics, and intimacy-related struggles.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to decide which methods match their goals, preferences, and the pace they want. That plan can change as progress is made and new needs appear.
Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can fit into a short break or require less bandwidth. Live chat or text messaging are helpful for quick check-ins, ongoing support between sessions, or when typing feels easier than speaking. These formats offer flexibility so therapy can fit into busy parenting and work schedules.
Questions people ask about Michelle
What concerns does this therapist address?
She works with issues such as relationship strain, parenting challenges, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and stress. Additional areas include addiction, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy issues, and career concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
The approach is collaborative and straightforward, focusing on open conversation and practical strategies. Sessions aim to reduce overwhelm and build skills for everyday situations.
How much experience does she have?
She has fifteen years of professional experience supporting people with a range of emotional and life challenges.
What credentials and location apply to this therapist?
She holds an LCSW credential and practices in California.
Can I work with her in other languages or from outside the US?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps do I take to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to therapist availability.
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