Michelle Laughlin, LCSW

Michelle Laughlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, life transitions, and difficulties with attention. She communicates plainly and listens carefully to understand what matters most to each person. Michelle aims to make the first step feel manageable rather than overwhelming. In sessions she focuses on practical skills and clear goals. Conversations are tailored to the individual's needs and paced to match what feels doable. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other approaches to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try different ways of coping. Michelle also works with issues tied to attachment and relationships, including feelings of abandonment and communication problems. She supports people facing blended family challenges, struggles with control or dependence, and the emotional effects of trauma or dissociation. Her style is warm and respectful. She emphasizes collaboration and small, achievable changes rather than quick fixes. Sessions often include concrete strategies you can use between meetings. Michelle brings four years of clinical experience in California to her practice as an LCSW. She meets people where they are and adjusts the plan as progress is made. If someone wants a straightforward, skills-based approach with a focus on real-life application, she may be a fit.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. It often includes homework and simple exercises to try between sessions, which can be tracked via messages or during video meetings.

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at patterns in relationships and early bonds to understand current feelings and reactions. Work in this approach helps people notice relational patterns and practice different ways of connecting or setting boundaries.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and will recommend methods that match those needs. This is a collaborative process and plans are adjusted as progress is made.

Online sessions are available by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video sessions let you use visual cues and practice skills in real time. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or when a simpler check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging allow for shorter, focused check-ins and ongoing skill reinforcement between longer meetings.