Michelle DeFino, LCSW

Michelle DeFino is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New York. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, and challenges with relationships or parenting. She also supports those dealing with bipolar symptoms, anger, and trauma-related concerns.

Michelle uses clear, practical methods to help people change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She blends cognitive behavioral approaches with client-centered conversation and mindfulness skills. Sessions focus on workable steps a person can try between meetings.

Her background includes three years of clinical experience as an LCSW working in community mental health settings. That time has included work with people managing substance use and co-occurring mood concerns. She aims to make therapy straightforward and respectful of each person’s goals.

In a session Michelle listens first and then offers tools tailored to the problem at hand. Techniques may include reframing thoughts, practicing grounding and mindfulness, or using motivational interviewing to clarify goals. She explains options and helps people pick what fits their life.

Michelle prefers video sessions because seeing each other makes it easier to build rapport, though phone, live chat, and text options are also used. She approaches work with practical solutions and steady support so people can move toward clearer daily routines and better coping.

People who want a direct, skills-focused style with room for personal values often find this approach helpful. Michelle aims to create a plan that feels achievable and aligned with each person’s priorities.

How CBT, Client-Centered Work, and DBT Translate Online

Michelle often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and mood symptoms because it breaks problems into specific patterns to work on.

She also brings a client-centered stance that prioritizes the person's goals and pace. That means listening closely and shaping sessions around what the person says matters most. Dialectical behavior therapy skills are used when emotion regulation, distress tolerance, or impulsivity are concerns; those skills teach practical ways to manage strong feelings and reduce reactive behavior.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michelle collaborates with each person to decide which methods to try first and adjusts the plan as goals change. She explains options clearly and helps people choose skills that fit their daily life.

Online therapy formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video allows face-to-face interaction for skill demonstrations and deeper conversation. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is preferred. Live chat and text are useful for quick check-ins, homework support, or when someone wants written reflections instead of speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, or other commitments.