About Michael
Michael Lemley is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who offers a straightforward, down-to-earth approach to therapy. He focuses on building a real connection so people can talk about what matters most in their lives. His style is collaborative and relational, aiming to help each person access their own strengths.
Michael helps people manage stress and anxiety and work through depression. He supports clients dealing with relationship strain, low self-esteem, and major life transitions.
How Michael works
He also addresses communication problems, forgiveness, and developing self-love. In sessions he looks for values and strengths to guide change. Conversations focus on practical steps clients can try between meetings.
He encourages honesty so both therapist and client understand what is getting in the way. Over a decade of practice gives him experience with many kinds of everyday struggles. He keeps things simple and direct, avoiding jargon.
Michael aims to help people move toward the life they want by using approaches that match their needs. He works from California and conducts therapy in English. His background and methods are aimed at helping people find clarity, build better habits, and repair or improve how they relate to themselves and others.
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.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
Also listed
Training and background
| Register | LCSW |
|---|---|
| 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 and online care
Michael uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on building connection and practical change. One common approach emphasizes identifying values and strengths to align actions with what matters most; this helps people who feel stuck or out of sync with their goals. Another approach centers on improving communication and forgiveness skills so relationships and self-regard can improve; it teaches specific ways to speak and repair small ruptures that often cause ongoing stress.Choosing the right method happens together. The therapist will learn about the client's concerns, goals, and preferences, and then recommend techniques that fit. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made as therapy progresses to find what helps best.
Online therapy offers several practical benefits in this practice. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation for deeper connection. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a simpler check-in is preferred. Live chat and text-based messaging make it possible to send shorter updates, ask questions between sessions, or fit therapy into a busy day. These options provide flexibility and make it easier to keep continuity of care over time.
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Common questions
What kinds of concerns does Michael address?
What is his therapeutic style like?
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What credentials and location are listed?
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What are the steps to begin working together?
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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