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Michelle Lehto Flores

Michelle Lehto Flores

LCPC

Illinois

Warm practical counseling for addiction and mood

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Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Profile summary

Credentials
LCPC
License
LCPC, Illinois · 180.014932
NPI
1609587609
Experience
9 years
Languages
English
Location
Illinois

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp.

  • Addictions
  • Mood support
  • Work wellbeing

About Michelle

Michelle Lehto Flores is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who helps people facing addiction, mood challenges, and low self-esteem. She supports those dealing with depression, bipolar symptoms, anger, and the practical strains of life that affect work and wellbeing. Michelle writes plainly and listens closely to each person’s story.

She earned a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and brings nine years of clinical experience. Her background includes work with people managing addiction, major life transitions, trauma, and high stress. She also has experience addressing blended family issues, communication problems, and concerns related to immigration and money.

Michelle’s style is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. Sessions focus on identifying useful skills, testing small changes, and building routines that fit daily life. She uses practical tools drawn from evidence-based therapeutic techniques, such as strategies to change unhelpful thinking and short goal-focused exercises.

Clients can expect to work on concrete steps for coping with cravings, mood swings, or overwhelming emotions. Michelle emphasizes strengths, forgiveness when it’s needed, and clearer communication. Her work often centers on helping people find direction during midlife shifts, reduce isolation, and manage co-occurring concerns like substance use and mood disorders.

She practices in Illinois and conducts sessions in English. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a session based on the therapist’s availability. The subscription model for sessions can be canceled at any time.

How evidence-based tools translate to online work

Many of the techniques Michelle draws on are straightforward to use in conversation and between-session practice. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing unhelpful thought patterns and testing small changes in thinking and behavior to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mood instability. Solution-focused techniques aim at short-term, goal-oriented steps to create immediate difference in daily routines and work-life balance. Mindfulness practices teach simple attention and breathing exercises to reduce reactivity and support emotion regulation.

Finding the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, try different tools, and adjust plans based on what works. Clients are invited to give feedback so sessions stay practical and targeted to their needs.

The practical benefits of online work often include easier scheduling around work and family, fewer commute minutes, and the ability to use brief check-ins when needed. Because the biography does not specify session formats, confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life and to practice new skills between meetings.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

AddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression

Additional focus areas

Blended family issuesCo-morbidityCommunication problemsDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Drug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImmigration issuesIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersParanoiaPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Experience

9+ years

Credentials

Illinois

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michelle help with?

She supports people dealing with addictions, depression, bipolar symptoms, anger, and self-esteem challenges, along with related issues like family conflict, isolation, and money stress.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. Sessions focus on clear steps, skill building, and practical changes that fit everyday life.

What experience does she bring to sessions?

She has nine years of clinical experience and has worked with people facing trauma, high stress, major life transitions, and addiction.

What are her credentials and where does she practice?

She is an LCPC - Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - practicing in Illinois.

Which languages are supported for therapy?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted; she works with clients located where her licensure applies.

How are sessions scheduled and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Michelle?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Michelle Lehto FloresOnline therapy options on BetterHelp

Continue with Michelle