Michelle Fernandez , LISW

Michelle Fernandez is a licensed social worker in Ohio with 20 years of professional experience supporting adults through a range of life challenges. She holds the LISW credential - a Licensed Independent Social Worker - and has spent two decades helping people manage stress and anxiety, navigate addictions, cope with grief and loss, and address symptoms of depression.

Michelle aims to create an open, nonjudgmental space where clients can share thoughts and feelings honestly. She works collaboratively with each person to explore practical coping strategies, identify patterns that contribute to distress, and set achievable goals for a more fulfilling life. Her practice also attends to related concerns such as caregiver stress, communication difficulties, guilt and shame, feelings of isolation, and questions about life purpose.

Recognizing that seeking help is a courageous first step, Michelle offers steady support as clients move toward healing and change. She provides guidance for issues across the lifespan, including panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, challenges around pregnancy and childbirth, and struggles with self-love and social anxiety. Michelle’s approach is grounded in evidence-based therapeutic techniques and shaped by her long experience working with diverse needs and life transitions.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical coping skills and behavioral change. One approach emphasizes skills-based work to identify unhelpful thoughts and build adaptive coping strategies, which can help with anxiety, panic, and depressive symptoms. Another approach centers on behavioral strategies to support people facing addictions and motivating change, helping clients set manageable goals and develop healthier routines. A third strand of her practice provides supportive work for grief and loss, assisting clients in processing difficult emotions and finding ways to move forward.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Michelle collaborates with each client to determine the best fit based on their needs, goals, and preferences. She works together with clients to adjust strategies over time so the work aligns with what matters most to them.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access consistent care from licensed professionals and therapists without needing to travel, which can help people stay engaged in treatment during life transitions and busy periods.