- Stress and anxiety
- Family of origin issues
- CBT and mindfulness
About Michelle
Michelle Bonner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 17 years of clinical experience. She works with stress, anxiety, family concerns, parenting challenges, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Michelle also supports people dealing with adoption and foster care issues, blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, and family of origin issues.
She uses straightforward conversation to identify patterns that keep problems repeating. Sessions focus on practical steps people can try between meetings. Michelle draws on approaches such as client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, solution-focused tools, and trauma-focused strategies to guide that work.
In the room she listens for the recurring roles and expectations that came from childhood and how those roles show up now. She helps people name those patterns and test small changes to see what shifts. That might mean changing unhelpful thoughts, practicing new ways to speak with relatives, or slowing down to notice what triggers anxiety.
Michelle pays attention to cultural and multiculturally influenced concerns, including experiences of prejudice and discrimination. She also addresses mood disorders, post-traumatic stress, and the aftermath of sexual assault and abuse when they relate to family and parenting issues.
Her manner is focused and practical. Work in therapy aims at clearer communication, better coping skills, and more reliable everyday routines. To start, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session through the site's online process.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Client-centered therapy focuses on the client's perspective and priorities. The therapist listens closely and reflects what matters most, helping people feel heard and decide next steps. This approach is helpful when someone wants to explore family roles and expectations at their own pace.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies unhelpful thinking and tests new behaviors. CBT offers concrete tools to manage anxiety, shift negative self-talk, and practice different reactions to family triggers. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices that reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation, useful for stress and parenting demands.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to pick methods that match their goals, needs, and comfort. That might mean combining listening-focused client-centered work with CBT exercises or adding mindfulness skills when anxiety is high.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, shorten check-ins when time is limited, and reduce travel time. Therapists aim to make sessions practical so people can try new ways of thinking and communicating between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What specific concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, family problems, parenting, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Michelle also focuses on adoption and foster care, blended family issues, caregiver stress, and family of origin issues.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is conversational and practical, helping people identify recurring family patterns and try small changes. Sessions often include thought work, communication practice, and mindfulness exercises.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Michelle has 17 years of professional experience working with individuals on family and related concerns.
What credentials and location apply?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed in California and practices there.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can I work with her from another country?
International clients are not currently accepted. Work is provided to people within the scope allowed by her California license.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during the sign-up process.
What steps start the process?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the platform.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.