Michelle Wenzler, LCSW

Michelle Wenzler is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and major life changes. She brings 15 years of experience to conversations about emotional strain and compassion fatigue. Michelle speaks English and practices in California as an LCSW.

She centers each session on the person's own story and strengths. Michelle treats clients as partners in problem solving rather than passive recipients of advice. Sessions focus on practical steps people can try between meetings, not just talking about problems.

Her methods draw on cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy alongside client-centered and mindfulness approaches. That means she helps clients notice unhelpful thinking patterns, clarify values, and learn small habits that change how they respond to stress. Motivational interviewing and solution-focused ideas shape short-term planning when useful.

Michelle has worked across situations that include caregiver strain, hospice and end-of-life concerns, aging and geriatric issues, and challenges tied to isolation and life transitions. She also supports people facing mood disorders, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, and struggles with guilt or body image.

Her style is calm and practical. She offers tools and steady support while helping people set realistic goals. Michelle aims to make therapy understandable and focused on gains that matter in daily life.

Evidence-informed approaches delivered online

Michelle commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy in online sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can help with anxiety, panic, and mood problems. Acceptance and commitment therapy emphasizes clarifying personal values and learning to take committed action even when difficult feelings are present, which can help with grief, stress, and life transitions.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, daily challenges, and what has or hasnt worked before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made, keeping the work practical and goal-oriented.

Online formats offered include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video lets people work face-to-face from different locations, phone calls can fit a short break or low bandwidth, live chat suits quick check-ins, and messaging supports ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life while keeping the focus on techniques and steps that help.