About Michelle
Michelle Laughlin is a licensed clinical social worker in California who supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, life changes, and ADHD. She aims to create a respectful and compassionate space for anyone ready to seek change. Michelle keeps conversations practical and tailored so each session meets what a person needs in that moment.
She draws on somatic methods to help people notice how stress and trauma show up in the body.
Background and approach
She also uses attachment-based ideas to explore relational patterns and client-centered listening to shape therapy around each person's goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy tools are offered when helpful for skill-building and emotion regulation. Sessions focus on clear, usable strategies.
Michelle works with clients to set small goals, practice coping skills, and track progress over time. She pays attention to both thoughts and bodily sensations so clients can find relief in daily life. Michelle has four years of professional practice as a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW.
She brings that experience to sessions while staying flexible in approach. People who choose her can expect practical guidance paired with curiosity and care. Therapy is offered in English and conducted online through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Getting started involves a short matching questionnaire and scheduling through the Start Therapy flow.
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Somatic Therapy helps people notice physical sensations linked to stress or trauma and learn ways to regulate the body to reduce tension. It can be useful for those who feel stuck in reactive patterns or who notice symptoms in their body rather than only in their thoughts.Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early and current relationships shape patterns of relating and self-protection. It can help people understand repeated relationship struggles and try new ways of connecting. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on respectful listening and following the client's lead so goals are defined by what matters most to the individual.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit best based on needs, goals, and personal preferences. This means trying ideas, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan together.
Online therapy makes these approaches accessible through flexible formats. Video calls allow face-to-face connection; phone sessions suit those who prefer voice only. Live chat and text messaging let clients check in between sessions or use shorter, more frequent contact. These options support continuity of care and make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives.
Frequently asked questions
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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