About Michael
Michael Gallese is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) with ten years in behavioral health. He focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and self-esteem. He aims to help people who feel stuck, unsure, or disappointed by past therapy experiences.
He draws on years of hands-on work as a behavioral health technician, case manager, and substance abuse counselor. That background gives him a practical sense of what struggling looks like day to day.
How Michael works
Sessions tend to be direct and collaborative rather than purely reflective. In the room he helps people identify patterns that keep them stuck and develops concrete steps to change them. Conversations are honest and feedback is straightforward.
Homework and practice between sessions are common parts of the plan. Michael pays close attention to issues tied to attachment, abandonment, and family of origin concerns. He also helps people navigate dissociation, impulsivity, control issues, and the effects of sexual assault and abuse.
He uses approaches rooted in evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address mood disorders and post-traumatic stress. People who are skeptical about therapy or who felt previous treatment missed the mark often find his style a fit. He works in California and conducts sessions in English.
The focus is on clear goals, practical steps, and steady progress.
What Michael works with
The areas below are the ones Michael selected when setting up a profile. The first few are listed as the main focus; the rest are also named.
Also listed
Training and background
| Register | LPCC |
|---|---|
| Years in practice | 10 |
| Languages | English |
| Session format | Online: video, phone, live chat or messaging |
| Country | California |
Memberships and registers are shown as supplied; they are not licences, and this directory does not verify them.
Online support options
Evidence-based approaches for online change
Michael uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on understanding patterns and building new skills. One approach emphasizes identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and testing small changes in daily life to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Another approach concentrates on processing traumatic experiences and their effects on behavior, helping people reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress and regain a sense of control.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about their needs, goals, and preferences and then choose or adapt methods together. That means regular check-ins and adjustments so the work stays practical and relevant.
Online sessions offer flexibility for busy schedules. Video calls let people meet face to face when a fuller conversation is needed. Phone sessions or live chat can be easier when bandwidth is limited or someone prefers not to be on camera. Text-based messaging supports short check-ins and ongoing support between longer sessions. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into work, school, or family life while still focusing on concrete change.
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Common questions
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A practical next step
Write down two things you would want to be different in six months. That is the most useful thing to bring to a first session, whoever it is with. If you would rather start now than keep reading, online sessions are the quickest route.
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