Michelle Ely , LCSW

Michelle Ely is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who holds licensure in both California and Alaska and brings clinical experience focused on helping people move through difficult life challenges. She has worked as a social worker for decades and has practiced as an LCSW for six years, using that advanced clinical credential to provide psychotherapy and support. Her work concentrates on addressing trauma and abuse, stress and anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, anger management, grief, and issues related to intimacy and self-esteem.

Her therapeutic manner is warm, interactive, and direct, rooted in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She uses an eclectic, evidence-informed approach - selecting interventions that fit each personâs situation rather than relying on a single method - so treatment is guided by individual needs and goals. Michelle emphasizes client strengths and frames the person as the expert of their own story, helping people build on what already works while developing new skills to manage symptoms and improve relationships.

Michelle also supports families, caregivers, veterans, and women facing life transitions, and she works with issues such as communication problems, blended family dynamics, and compassion fatigue. She acknowledges that beginning therapy takes courage and affirms clients for taking that initial step toward change.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Remote Care

Michelle Ely draws on evidence-informed techniques tailored to trauma and stress-related concerns. Trauma-focused interventions aim to help individuals process past harmful experiences and reduce their ongoing impact, supporting improved coping and emotional regulation. Skills-based strategies for anxiety and stress teach practical tools such as breathing, grounding, and problem-solving to manage symptoms and increase day-to-day functioning. Family and relationship-centered work targets communication patterns, parenting challenges, and blended family dynamics, helping people improve connection and resolve conflicts.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Michelle partners with each person to identify their goals, preferences, and needs, and then selects methods that fit the situation. Over time she adjusts the plan as progress and new concerns emerge, so the work stays relevant and effective.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit care into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access licensed professionals from different locations. Remote sessions can support steady progress while allowing clients to receive support in ways that work best for them.