- Stress and anxiety
- Parenting challenges
- Trauma and grief
About Michelle
Michelle Ely is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California and Alaska with six years as an LCSW and nearly three decades of experience as a social worker. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, and works with anger and trauma-related problems. She also supports people facing grief, low self-esteem, work stress, and life changes.
Her practice favors straightforward, interactive sessions. She combines techniques from different models to match what each person needs. That means sessions can include practical skills, direct feedback, and exercises chosen for the current situation.
Michelle values respect and sensitivity in sessions. She treats people as the experts on their own lives and looks for strengths to build on. Conversations cover what feels most important now, whether that is reducing reactivity, improving communication, or processing past hurt.
In meetings she often uses focused problem-solving and skill-building to reduce stress and manage anger. She also addresses relationship patterns and parenting challenges with clear steps people can try between sessions. The approach aims to be usable in day-to-day life.
Michelle’s background includes work with LGBT concerns, compassion fatigue, and caregiver stress. She also has experience related to autism and intellectual disability, blended family issues, and veteran-related concerns. Sessions are conducted in English and reflect her practice in Alaska and California.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions help
Michelle draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques and mixes methods to fit what a person needs. One common approach is focused skill-building where people learn concrete tools for managing stress and anger, such as breathing work, grounding, and behavior-focused strategies to lower reactivity. These tools aim to be practical and usable during everyday moments.Another approach is structured problem-solving and communication training to address relationship and parenting conflicts. This involves breaking down interactions, trying small communication experiments, and practicing different responses to reduce recurring fights and resentment. These methods can help with work frustrations and ongoing interpersonal stress as well.
Finding the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will work with the person to identify goals, try methods, and adjust techniques based on what helps. That partnership includes checking what feels useful and changing course if needed.
Confirm current session options before booking to know which formats Michelle offers. Online sessions can make therapy fit into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so people can use time between commitments. They can also make it easier to maintain continuity of care when life is hectic, while the therapist and client decide together how to structure meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
California, Alaska
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, anger, trauma, grief, self-esteem, career issues, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is interactive and direct, using an eclectic mix of techniques chosen to fit the person's situation.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has six years as an LCSW and a total of 29 years working as a social worker.
Where is she licensed and based?
She holds LCSW credentials in California and Alaska and practices from Alaska.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.