- Family of origin patterns
- Attachment and abandonment
- English and Spanish
About Michelle
Michelle Santana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with seven years of practice. She works with adults who notice anxiety, depression, stress, and life changes affecting work, relationships, and self-worth. She also addresses family of origin issues and concerns such as attachment, abandonment, and blended family stress.
Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques alongside reflective work that looks at early experiences and body-based ways of noticing feelings. Sessions tend to include straightforward conversation about patterns that repeat, simple skills for managing overwhelm, and reflective exercises that connect past experiences to present choices. She may move to solution-focused steps when clients want concrete actions.
She speaks English and Spanish and pays attention to cultural background and family expectations when they are relevant to the issues at hand. That perspective often shapes how she and a client look at recurring roles, communication habits, or pressures that feel inherited from family dynamics.
In sessions she balances honest feedback with a collaborative stance. That can mean gently pointing out patterns, naming where avoidance shows up, or trying small experiments between meetings. The work is practical - noticing what is happening now and testing manageable changes.
To begin, the process asks clients to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions
Michelle uses evidence-based techniques and reflective, body-focused work. Evidence-based techniques involve practical skills and exercises to reduce anxiety and manage mood. These approaches help with stress, overwhelm, and clearer daily routines.She also draws on reflective work that looks at early relationships and attachment patterns. That approach helps people connect current reactions to earlier family roles and make different choices in relationships. Somatic or mind-body methods are used to notice where emotions show up in the body and to build simple coping skills for intense moments.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. She will discuss what feels most useful, try methods in session, and adjust based on goals and preferences. Clients and therapist work together to pick interventions that fit lifestyle and needs rather than forcing a single method.
Session format details should be confirmed before booking since formats are not specified here. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a weekday break, reduce travel time, and allow more frequent short check-ins when needed. Ask about the specific session options available when you complete the matching questionnaire and schedule the first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
Connecticut, New Jersey
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, career concerns, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include family of origin issues, attachment, abandonment, and blended family matters.
What is her general therapeutic style?
Her style combines evidence-based techniques with reflective work on past experiences and somatic awareness. She may shift to solution-focused steps when practical actions are needed.
How much experience does she have?
She has seven years of clinical experience working with adults on mood, relationship patterns, and life transitions.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCSW licensed in New Jersey and Connecticut, and is based in Connecticut for her practice.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Begin by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.