Michelle Garibaldi, LMFT
Practical, story-focused therapy for life changes
Details
| Name | Michelle Garibaldi |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LMFT |
| Based in | California |
| Licensed in | California |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 23 |
About Michelle
Michelle Garibaldi is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 23 years of clinical experience in California. She helps people who feel stuck by talking through immediate problems and setting clear, manageable goals. Her approach is warm and straightforward so parents and busy adults can follow each step without extra jargon.
She begins by listening to what matters most to the individual. Then she and the client map out reachable goals and small changes to try between sessions.
Background and approach
Michelle uses practical tools drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy alongside mindfulness and motivational techniques. Sessions are collaborative and focused on real-life results. Conversations often center on relationships, stress, sleep, grief, addiction, or career concerns.
She also supports people dealing with trauma, compassion fatigue, ADHD, and questions around identity and intimacy. Michelle blends active problem solving with space to reflect on personal stories. That combination helps people notice unhelpful patterns and experiment with new ways of relating.
She also offers coaching-style support for life transitions and career shifts. Her practice is built on clear communication and steady pacing. New clients are guided through a simple intake and scheduling process so therapy can fit into a busy week.
Michelle aims to make therapy practical, relatable, and focused on the next right step.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts among the things Michelle works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Depression
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Abandonment
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Attachment issues
- Blended family issues
- Communication problems
- Divorce and separation
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- First responder issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Mood disorders
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Michelle among the ways she works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Michelle among the ways she works.
- Existential Therapy: Listed by Michelle among the ways she works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Michelle among the ways she works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Michelle among the ways she works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Michelle among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Michelle directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Michelle directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How Narrative and Practical Therapies Work Online
Michelle often uses Narrative Therapy to help people separate themselves from unhelpful stories they tell about their lives. This approach helps identify where a story began and what small shifts might change how someone relates to a problem. She also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which prioritizes the person's perspective and pace so the session feels respectful and led by the client's goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, used selectively, focuses on testing thoughts and trying new behaviors to reduce anxiety or improve mood.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will listen to your concerns, discuss options, and collaborate on a plan that matches your goals and preferences. That way the methods used can change over time based on what helps most.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to make therapy fit different schedules. Video is useful for a fuller conversation, phone can work when bandwidth is limited, and messaging lets you check in between sessions or use shorter, focused exchanges. These options offer flexibility for people managing work, parenting, or health needs while keeping therapy consistent and goal focused.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of problems can Michelle help with?
She supports a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, sleep problems, parenting challenges, ADHD, and career changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is warm and collaborative with an emphasis on practical steps. Sessions combine conversation, goal setting, and exercises to try between appointments.
How much experience does she have?
Michelle has 23 years of experience offering clinical care in California across a range of common life and mental health concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds the LMFT credential, listed as CA LMFT, and practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What formats are available for online sessions?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Michelle are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Michelle where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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