Michelle Stanton White, LMFT

Michelle Stanton White is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California who brings nine years of clinical experience to people facing anxiety, grief, depression, relationship struggles, and life transitions. She left a successful career in the computer industry to follow her passion for supporting others, and she approaches therapy with a practical, collaborative style that helps clients identify unhelpful patterns and make intentional changes.

Michelle uses a blend of empirically supported techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, along with solution-focused and strategic family methods when appropriate. She emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as the essential foundation for change, working actively with clients to shift perspective, build skills, and set realistic goals. Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns such as stress, trauma and abuse, parenting and caregiver stress, aging and geriatric issues, gender dysphoria, LGBT matters, intimacy and sexual issues, sleep difficulties, career transitions, and coping with life changes.

Services are offered in English and Vietnamese, and Michelle aims to provide flexible session formats that meet clients where they are. Her goal is to help clients move beyond current difficulties toward a more satisfying and productive life.

Approaches That Guide Online Care

Michelle Stanton White integrates client-centered work and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support people in online sessions. Client-centered therapy focuses on empathy, acceptance, and a collaborative relationship that helps clients explore feelings and find their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, teaching practical skills useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep problems.

She may also draw on Motivational Interviewing when ambivalence about change is present - this approach helps clients clarify values and strengthen motivation for taking next steps. Choosing the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Michelle works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods best match their goals, preferences, and life circumstances.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility by allowing sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, maintain continuity during life transitions, and choose the format that feels most comfortable. Licensed professionals can adapt these formats to offer meaningful, goal-focused care that supports real progress.