Michelle Laughlin

Michelle Laughlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with four years of professional experience. She works with people who are feeling stuck by stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, trouble concentrating, and difficulty coping with life changes. She also supports those managing ADHD and motivation problems.

Her approach is practical and person-focused. Michelle listens to what matters most and uses talk-based work alongside techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused work. Sessions often include clear steps people can try between meetings to notice small changes and build momentum.

Michelle also draws on attachment-based ideas to look at patterns in relationships that affect mood and confidence. Dialectical behavior therapy tools may be used for managing intense emotions and improving coping skills. She keeps the plan direct and revises it as needs change.

In session she talks through problem areas such as abandonment, attachment issues, avoidant personality traits, communication problems, and blended family stress. She has experience with first responder issues, fatherhood concerns, and recovery from domestic violence or other forms of trauma.

Clients who choose to work together complete an initial matching process and plan a first session. Michelle uses a collaborative style to set goals and adjust approaches over time. Sessions aim to be straightforward and focused on what the client wants to address next.

How her approaches translate to online sessions

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and current relationship patterns shape reactions today. It helps when a person notices repeating cycles in their close relationships and wants clearer ways to connect and respond. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing them with small behavior changes. It is useful for anxiety, low mood, and problems with concentration where practical strategies can reduce distress. Solution-Focused Therapy centers on concrete goals and the next small steps toward them rather than long reviews of the past.

Finding the right mix of these approaches is part of the work. Michelle will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That choice can change over time as new priorities emerge or progress is made.

Confirm the current session formats before booking so you know how sessions are scheduled. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also lets people continue sessions across life transitions while keeping the focus on practical skills and goals.