Michelle Upton, LICSW

Michelle Upton is an LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) with eight years of experience supporting individuals and families through major life transitions and challenges. She has worked across individual, relationship, and systemic levels - addressing changes in physical and mental health, shifting relationship roles and communication concerns, and coordinating with medical teams and family caregivers when complex collaboration is needed.

Michelle approaches each referral with humility and respect for the difficulty of the moment clients are facing, and she works to create an environment where people feel seen and supported. In collaboration with clients she identifies the therapeutic methods that best fit their needs, often blending approaches because one method rarely fits every situation. Her practice commonly draws on client-centered techniques, mindfulness practices, and dialectical behavior skills to help clients build coping strategies and move toward their goals.

Those who work with Michelle frequently note her calming presence and steady kindness, paired with clinical knowledge and practical skills aimed at progress. She values helping clients balance life’s joys and its challenges and seeks to partner with each person to find workable steps forward.

Therapeutic approaches for effective online care

Michelle integrates client-centered therapy into online sessions, creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the client’s values and goals guide the work. This approach helps with issues like self-esteem, relationship concerns, and life transitions by prioritizing the client’s perspective and pace.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. In an online format CBT can help with anxiety, depression, stress management, and practical problem solving through skills and structured exercises.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can be particularly useful for clients facing intense emotions, relationship challenges, or patterns of impulsive behavior.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Michelle collaborates with each client to determine which methods or combination of methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility - sessions by video call or phone allow real-time conversation, while live chat and text-based messaging provide additional options for check-ins and ongoing support. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to maintain continuity of care across life changes.