Michelle Laughlin, LCSW

Michelle Laughlin is a California licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with four years of professional experience. She helps people who are coping with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, ADHD, and major life changes. Her approach is straightforward and respectful, aimed at making it easier to talk about what feels overwhelming right now.

Michelle uses plain language and a steady pace in sessions. She listens first, then builds a plan that fits each person’s needs. Conversations focus on practical steps people can try between meetings, and on noticing what gets in the way of change.

Her work draws on attachment-based ideas, client-centered listening, and cognitive behavioral tools to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Michelle also uses techniques from dialectical behavior therapy and solution-focused work to teach coping skills and short-term strategies for crisis moments.

Sessions are guided by what each person brings to therapy, and she adapts the style to match preferences and goals. People can expect a calm, nonjudgmental space to talk through painful experiences and to practice new ways of handling stress and relationship concerns.

Michelle frames progress as small, steady steps rather than quick fixes. She encourages people to notice what changes bite-sized efforts can produce and to adjust plans as needed. The goal is clearer coping tools, more self-compassion, and workable routines that reduce daily strain.

How these approaches translate to online work

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current ways of connecting and responding. Online sessions using this approach help people notice patterns in relationships and practice new ways of feeling and responding that reduce fear of abandonment and insecurity.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and following the person's lead. In online conversations this means the therapist reflects what is said, helps clarify feelings, and supports people in discovering their own solutions to stress and low self-worth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replaces them with more helpful ones. Used online, CBT often includes simple exercises and homework to try between sessions so progress continues between meetings.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy. The therapist will work collaboratively to decide which methods fit the client's needs, goals, and preferences. That means adjusting pace, trying different techniques, and checking in about what helps most.

Practical benefits of online therapy include easier fit with busy schedules and fewer barriers to getting to a session. Online work can make it simpler to keep regular appointments, fit sessions into a lunch break, or use phone-only options when video is difficult. Confirm the current session options before booking so arrangements match personal needs.