- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem work
About Michelle
Michelle Santana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with ten years of clinical experience. She helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, low self-esteem, depression, and adjustments to life changes. Michelle also lists support for communication problems, loneliness, questions about life purpose, mood concerns, self-love, and social anxiety and phobia.
Michelle listens and talks through what is happening now and what the person wants to change. She focuses on practical steps people can try between sessions and on clearer ways to communicate with others. Sessions aim to identify simple habits that keep problems going and small experiments to test new ways of responding.
Her approach is evidence-focused and geared toward helping people manage symptoms and daily challenges. She works with clients to set short-term goals and track progress in straightforward ways. When appropriate, she helps people practice social situations and build confidence in speaking up or meeting new people.
Michelle draws on her clinical background to combine conversation, skill practice, and real-world application. She pays attention to patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to worry and low mood. Over time, she helps people notice small changes that lead to clearer thinking and steadier routines.
Sessions are conversational and task-oriented, with room to process feelings and plan next steps. Michelle encourages regular review of what is working and what needs adjusting. People who want pragmatic support for anxiety, mood, relationships, or life transitions may find this style helpful.
Therapeutic techniques and how online sessions work
Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on changing unhelpful thoughts and practicing new behaviors. Cognitive approaches involve noticing patterns of thinking that increase worry and testing different ways of thinking to reduce anxious responses. Behavioral methods include gradual exposure and repeated practice of feared social situations to build confidence and reduce avoidance.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michelle will collaborate with each person to decide which techniques fit their goals and everyday life. The process involves checking what helps, adjusting methods, and agreeing on practical steps to try between sessions.
The biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking so you know whether video, phone, or other formats are used. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into work or family schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce time spent traveling. Licensed professionals use these formats to focus on skill practice, planning, and rehearsal of real-world situations.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include communication problems, loneliness, life purpose, mood issues, self-love, and social anxiety and phobia.
What is her general approach in sessions?
She uses practical, evidence-based techniques that combine conversation with skill practice. Sessions often include tracking goals and trying small behavior changes between meetings.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has ten years of clinical experience working with people on anxiety, mood, and relationship concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a California LCSW and practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can I work with her from outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted; sessions are offered for people located in California.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.