Michelle Pliska , LPC-MH, LPCC

Michelle Pliska brings 18 years of professional experience to counseling work based in South Dakota. She is credentialed as an LPC-MH, which stands for Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health, and as an LPCC, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Michelle has supported people facing depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and life transitions, and she has experience addressing concerns related to LGBT identity and caregiving, among other issues.

Her career includes roles in clinical mental health and educational settings, from middle and high schools to college environments, and she has worked within juvenile justice systems. That breadth of experience informs a flexible, client-centered practice that can incorporate traditional talk therapy alongside creative methods. Michelle is registered as a play therapist and integrates music, art, and other creative expressions when they support the therapeutic process.

In her work she emphasizes a nonjudgmental, supportive environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored. She approaches counseling with unconditional positive regard and aims to help people identify meaningful steps toward the changes they want. Michelle collaborates with individuals to tailor interventions to each person s needs and strengths, focusing on practical coping skills and emotional growth.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Michelle Pliska

Michelle Pliska uses a mix of traditional talk therapy and creative, experiential approaches to meet a range of needs. Traditional talk therapy focuses on building insight, coping strategies, and problem-solving skills through conversation and reflection - it is often helpful for depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Play therapy, for which she is registered, uses age-appropriate activities and symbolic play to help children and adolescents express feelings and work through challenges when words are not enough. Creative expressive methods such as music and art can be woven into sessions to access emotions, enhance self-expression, and support healing in people of different ages.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Michelle collaborates with each person to identify methods that fit their goals, preferences, and strengths, adjusting techniques over time as needs change. This collaborative process helps tailor care to what proves most helpful.

Online therapy with Michelle can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules and varying comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care across life transitions and provide accessible ways to engage with licensed professionals and therapists from different locations.