Michelle Ely is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Alaska. She brings six years as an LCSW and many more years of social work experience to sessions. She focuses on everyday problems like stress, anxiety, low self esteem, relationship struggles, parenting concerns, and grief. Her approach is warm, direct, and practical.
She uses an eclectic mix of evidence-based therapeutic techniques chosen to fit each person’s needs and situation. That means interventions are picked for usefulness, not for labels. Sessions often involve talking through past trauma, building tools to manage anger, and practicing ways to reduce anxiety.
Michelle emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in the room. She helps people notice their strengths and apply them to current challenges. Work in therapy is collaborative, with the client identified as the expert on their own life.
Clients can expect straightforward guidance paired with interactive exercises. Michelle aims to help people change behaviors, shift thinking patterns, and improve relationships over time. She also supports those dealing with caregiver stress, compassion fatigue, and life transitions.
Her background includes work on issues related to LGBT concerns, veteran and armed forces issues, women's issues, and neurodiversity topics such as autism and Asperger syndrome. Sessions are conducted in English in Alaska and follow the LCSW scope of practice.
How therapeutic approaches shape online care
Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and adapts them to each person. One common approach focuses on practical skill building to manage anxiety and stress, teaching breathing, grounding, and behavior strategies that help reduce symptoms. Another approach centers on working through traumatic experiences by pacing conversations and building coping skills so memories feel less overwhelming.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Michelle collaborates with each person to identify goals, test methods, and adjust techniques over time. She discusses options and tailors interventions to what feels most useful for daily life.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking. The main practical benefit is convenience - therapy can fit into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and make it easier to keep regular appointments. Online work can also allow for a shorter check-in when that better fits a day, or sessions that do not require being on camera if that helps someone engage. The therapist will discuss which ways of meeting best support your goals and routines.
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, self esteem, relationship and parenting concerns. Other focuses include trauma and abuse, anger, compassion fatigue, career questions, and life changes.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her style is warm, interactive, and direct. She uses an eclectic set of evidence-based techniques chosen to match each person’s needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has six years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and additional prior experience as a social worker, bringing long-term practice to her work.
Where is she licensed and based?
She holds LCSW credentials in California and Alaska and practices out of Alaska.
In which languages can I work with her?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can I work with her from outside the United States?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a therapy relationship?
Click the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on therapist availability.
