Michelle Ely, LCSW

Michelle Ely is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is licensed to practice in both California and Alaska. She brings a long history in the social work field and has six years of experience working as an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Over her career she has supported people in overcoming past traumatic experiences, reducing stress and anxiety, and addressing relationship and parenting challenges. She also has experience in helping clients with anger management.

Her therapeutic approach is warm, interactive, and direct, grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She uses an eclectic mix of evidence-informed interventions selected to match each client’s needs and life situation rather than relying on a single methodology. Michelle emphasizes clients’ strengths and treats each person as the expert of their own story, collaborating to build practical strategies for change.

Beginning therapy often takes courage, and Michelle acknowledges that step as meaningful. She aims to create a supportive, goal-focused space where clients can explore challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward greater balance and well-being.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Support

Michelle uses evidence-informed techniques that focus on practical coping skills to help manage stress and anxiety - teaching breathing, grounding, and problem-solving strategies that clients can apply day to day to reduce overwhelm and improve functioning. She also works with relational and communication-focused methods to address relationship, parenting, and family concerns - exploring interaction patterns and building clearer, more effective ways to connect with others. For clients who have experienced trauma, Michelle provides supportive trauma-focused care that helps people process difficult memories and develop safety and stability.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Michelle collaborates with each person to identify which techniques match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds so clients feel involved and empowered in their care.

Online therapy with Michelle is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing flexibility for busy schedules and different communication styles. These options make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals without changing routines, enabling steady progress from wherever a client is located within the therapist’s service area.