Michelle Upton, LICSW

Michelle Upton, LICSW, helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, low self-esteem, or major life changes. She supports those facing addiction, intimacy-related concerns, parenting stress, career shifts, and compassion fatigue. Michelle aims to create a calm, steady presence so people feel heard and respected from the first session.

Michelle brings eight years of clinical experience in Massachusetts. She tailors sessions to each person, often combining approaches rather than relying on a single method. Her practice draws on client-centered work, cognitive behavioral patterns, mindfulness, dialectical skills, and narrative ideas to meet real-life problems.

In sessions she helps people name what matters, notice patterns that get in the way, and try practical steps to change them. Conversations are grounded and straightforward, with space to process emotions and practice new ways of responding. She works with issues that range from everyday stress to complex caregiving and medical coordination challenges.

Michelle pays attention to the whole situation around a person, including work, family roles, and medical or caregiving demands. She also supports people facing aging and geriatric concerns, cancer and caregiver stress, fertility and fatherhood issues, and first responder stress. The work blends emotional support with concrete problem solving.

People who meet with Michelle decide goals together and adjust the approach as needed. She aims to help clients find better balance between life’s joys and its demands, one step at a time.

Approaches that guide remote work and support

Michelle often uses client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in her work. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening closely and responding with empathy so people feel understood and can explore what matters most. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and helps people try different, practical ways of responding to stress and anxiety.

She also draws on dialectical behavior therapy skills for managing intense emotions and improving emotional balance. DBT skills teach concrete techniques for distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and better interpersonal interactions, which can help with relationship or addiction-related struggles.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Michelle works with each person to pick or blend methods that match their goals and daily life. She checks in and adjusts the plan as needed so the work fits real concerns rather than a fixed protocol.

If you are considering online options, confirm the current session formats before booking. Practical benefits often include easier scheduling around work or caregiving, shorter check-ins when needed, and the ability to meet without travel time. Licensed professionals can use these options to help fit therapy into a busy life while focusing on achievable steps and coping skills.