Michelle Clisby , LCSW

Michelle Clisby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 15 years of clinical experience supporting people through relationship challenges, family conflicts, self-esteem concerns, depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. She brings a calm, practical approach to therapy and focuses on building a collaborative space where thoughts and feelings can be shared and explored without judgment.

Michelle works with individuals and families on a wide range of concerns including addiction, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, intimacy and parenting issues, career stress, and challenges related to adoption and foster care. Her background in evidence-based therapeutic techniques allows her to blend skill-building and emotional processing, helping clients develop clearer communication, stronger coping strategies, and greater self-understanding.

As an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a credential that denotes advanced training in social work and clinical practice - Michelle aims to create an open, supportive environment that honors each person’s pace and goals. She views the first step toward change as an act of courage and is committed to walking alongside clients as they work toward more fulfilling, resilient lives.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Treatment Options

Michelle draws from evidence-based therapeutic techniques that emphasize practical skills and relational insight. One approach focuses on skill-building for emotion regulation, stress management, and coping - teaching concrete tools to manage anxiety, depressive symptoms, and day-to-day stressors. Another area of focus is relational and family-centered work, which explores communication patterns, boundaries, and intimacy to improve relationships and resolve family conflicts.

Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. Michelle works with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts methods over time so the plan fits the client rather than the other way around. This collaborative stance helps ensure therapy stays relevant and effective for each person’s situation.

Online therapy with Michelle is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain consistent care, access support from home or work, and integrate therapeutic work into everyday life with fewer logistical barriers.