- Stress management
- LGBTQ issues
- Life transitions
About Michelle
Michelle Winkel is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 25 years of professional experience. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, LGBTQ concerns, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and major life changes. She works in English and practices from California.
Michelle focuses on clear, practical conversations. She listens for what is most pressing and helps people name specific problems. Sessions typically involve talking through feelings, learning small steps to manage stress, and practicing ways to handle difficult social situations.
Her work also covers a wide range of related concerns. These include aging and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, body image and eating-related worries, and communication problems. She also addresses attachment issues, family of origin matters, fatherhood questions, gender dysphoria, HIV/AIDS related concerns, hoarding, and hospice or end-of-life counseling.
Michelle aims to be straightforward about goals and next steps. She helps people try small changes, notice what works, and adjust as needed. Progress is paced to each person’s needs and daily life.
With long experience in clinical settings, she draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide sessions. People who prefer plain language and concrete steps often find this approach accessible. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Evidence-based approaches and remote sessions
Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide sessions in clear, practical ways. Cognitive approaches focus on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with small behavioral experiments to reduce anxious reactions in social situations. Skills-focused work teaches stress management and communication strategies people can try between sessions to see what helps.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. She discusses options with each person and adjusts methods based on goals, preferences, and how someone responds. This collaborative process helps choose techniques that fit daily life and real concerns.
Session format details are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm current session options before booking. In general, remote sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, and remove travel time from the equation. Licensed professionals often use these practical benefits to help people practice skills between meetings and to keep progress consistent with everyday routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, LGBTQ concerns, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes. Additional areas include caregiver stress, chronic illness, body image, and end-of-life counseling.
What is her general approach in sessions?
Sessions focus on practical conversation and clear steps. She helps people name problems, try small changes, and adjust plans based on what works.
How much experience does she have?
She has 25 years of professional experience working in clinical settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a California licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and practices in California.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started if I want a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.