Michelle Zaragoza , LCSW

Michelle Zaragoza is a licensed clinical social worker in California with nine years of practice helping adults navigate stress, anxiety, relationship strain, and career transitions. She focuses on practical steps people can take to feel more steady and purposeful. Michelle also addresses issues like family of origin patterns, guilt and shame, mood concerns, and self-love, with attention to women's issues when relevant.

Her sessions are collaborative and straightforward. She listens closely and offers direct feedback to keep conversations focused on goals. Michelle helps clients build skills they can use between sessions, such as mindfulness exercises and values-based choices that support daily life.

Michelle uses several therapeutic approaches to match what each person needs. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and take action, narrative therapy to reframe personal stories, and client-centered methods to keep the work grounded in the client's experience. She may also use EMDR when past memories impact current functioning.

In sessions she aims for clear, short-term goals while also supporting deeper change over time. Work often blends practical problem-solving with attention to meaning and identity. People leave with concrete tools and a plan for next steps.

Her practice includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging formats. Sessions are provided in English and organized through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify what matters most and take small steps toward those values. It is useful for stress, anxiety, and life transitions where motivation and action are needed. Narrative Therapy focuses on the stories people tell about themselves and looks for ways to reframe those stories to support healthier choices and a stronger sense of identity.

Michelle treats the choice of approach as a team effort. She will talk with clients about what feels helpful and adapt methods based on goals and preferences. The process is collaborative, and adjustments are made as progress and needs change.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation for deeper connection. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for brief check-ins, ongoing reflections, or when shorter, more flexible contact fits a busy day. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent while balancing work and family demands.