Michelle Wenzler, LCSW

Michelle Wenzler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 15 years of professional experience. She specializes in helping people navigate stress, anxiety, grief and loss, depression, and significant life changes, and she has particular experience supporting individuals experiencing compassion fatigue. Drawing on a strengths-based perspective, she approaches each person as the expert of their own story and helps them build on the abilities they already possess to manage challenges and pursue a more fulfilling life.

Michelle recognizes that reaching out for support is an act of courage, and she frames her role as a collaborative guide who accompanies clients through change rather than directing their path. Her background in clinical social work informs a practical, empathetic approach that balances emotional insight with concrete coping strategies. Whether someone is seeking help for acute distress or longer-term adjustment, she offers steady support as clients explore goals, develop new skills, and recover a sense of purpose and well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Michelle integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Client-Centered Therapy into her online practice. ACT focuses on clarifying personal values and learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to meaningful action - it can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. CBT targets unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, offering practical skills to reduce symptoms of depression and panic and to manage day-to-day stress. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist supports the client’s self-directed growth and coping.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together - Michelle collaborates with each person to identify which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences, and she adapts techniques over time as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps ensure treatment aligns with the individual’s priorities.

Online therapy with Michelle is offered by video call, phone session, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity of care during life changes, and connect with a licensed professional from familiar surroundings.