Zita "Michelle" Frederic, LCSW

Zita "Michelle" Frederic is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 30 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families, particularly within school settings. She has focused much of her career on assisting students in special education and guiding families through academic systems, advocacy processes, and school-related challenges. Her background equips her to navigate the intersection of educational needs and emotional and behavioral concerns, helping caregivers and young people access appropriate supports and resources.

Frederic cultivates a nurturing, nonjudgmental, and compassionate space where each person is heard and respected. Her practice is strengths-based and collaborative, centering empathy, practical problem-solving, and individualized care tailored to developmental stage and goals. Treatment plans emphasize emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns and are adapted to the unique needs of each client and family.

Recognizing that seeking support takes courage, she offers guidance and partnership for those ready to advocate for themselves or their children. Frederic aims to help clients navigate challenges, build coping skills, and move toward meaningful growth and positive change while honoring each family’s priorities and strengths.

Strengths-Based and Collaborative Care for Online Sessions

Zita "Michelle" Frederic uses a strengths-based approach that focuses on identifying and building the client’s existing resources and capabilities. This method helps individuals and families facing school challenges, behavioral concerns, or life transitions to leverage what is already working while developing practical strategies for change.

She also employs a collaborative problem-solving style that engages clients and caregivers in setting goals and creating step-by-step plans. This approach is useful for addressing communication problems, parenting concerns, and issues related to school advocacy by breaking complex situations into manageable actions.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Frederic works together with each client to determine which techniques best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is made and circumstances change.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy families and individuals who may have difficulty attending in-person appointments. These formats make it easier to fit regular sessions into school and work schedules and to maintain continuity of care when life circumstances shift.