- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Creative approaches
About Michelle
Michelle Pliska is a licensed counselor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and workplace strain. She also supports those navigating LGBT concerns and major life changes. Michelle brings 18 years of experience to sessions and aims to offer a steady, listening presence for anyone who needs to talk through difficult feelings.
Michelle has worked in both clinical mental health and educational settings, including middle and high schools and college environments. Her background includes experience with juvenile justice systems, and she has familiarity with caregiver stress, communication problems, and feelings of isolation. This range informs a practical approach to everyday struggles.
She uses traditional talk therapy alongside creative methods such as music and art when helpful. Michelle is registered as a play therapist and may include creative expression to support healing and emotional processing. Sessions focus on clear, realistic goals and small steps toward change.
Her style is warm and nonjudgmental. She emphasizes listening, understanding your priorities, and working together to build coping skills. Expect straightforward conversation, reflection, and tasks you can try between sessions to notice progress.
Michelle holds LPC-MH (Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health) and LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) credentials and practices in South Dakota. If you want a therapist who blends talk therapy with creative tools, she may be a fit for concerns around work and wellbeing and life transitions.
How therapeutic methods translate to online work
Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and creative methods in her practice. One common approach she relies on is traditional talk therapy, which focuses on exploring thoughts and feelings, identifying patterns, and developing coping skills to reduce stress and anxiety. Another element is creative expression through music or art, which helps people process grief, intense emotion, or stuck feelings in a nonverbal way.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will help you decide which methods suit your goals, needs, and personal style. Together you can try different ways of working and adjust the plan as you learn what helps most.
The biography does not list specific online formats, so please confirm the available session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, such as keeping appointments during a workday or avoiding travel time. It can also offer flexibility for shorter check-ins when a quick conversation helps, or allow sessions that use tools like drawing or music prompts adapted for remote work. Licensed professionals can tailor techniques so progress continues even when meeting remotely.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
18+ years
Credentials
South Dakota, California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist address?
Michelle helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, LGBT issues, and coping with life changes. She also focuses on workplace issues, caregiver stress, isolation, and related concerns.
How would you describe the therapeutic style here?
The approach is warm, practical, and goal oriented. Sessions combine listening, reflective dialogue, and small action steps to try between meetings.
What is Michelle's professional background?
She has 18 years of professional experience in clinical mental health and educational settings, including work in middle and high schools, college, and juvenile justice contexts.
Which credentials and location apply to this therapist?
Michelle holds LPC-MH and LPCC credentials and practices in South Dakota.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.