Michelle Garibaldi

Michelle Garibaldi is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and family concerns, and challenges related to trauma and addiction. She brings 23 years of professional experience and a warm, empathic style to sessions. Michelle aims to help clients clarify goals and make steady progress toward a more balanced life.

Her approach is collaborative and practical. She listens first, then works with each person to set clear, achievable goals. Sessions combine active techniques with thoughtful reflection so people can try new coping strategies between meetings.

Michelle uses mindfulness practices alongside client-centered methods to strengthen present-moment awareness and self-compassion. She also draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to spot thinking patterns that fuel distress and on motivational interviewing to support change when people feel stuck.

Many clients come for help with parenting, family communication, relationship strain, or the aftermath of abuse and loss. Michelle also supports people dealing with career stress, compassion fatigue, sleep problems, and identity or intimacy concerns. She adapts the pace and tools to what each person needs.

Michelle is licensed in California as an LMFT. She offers care in English and does not accept international clients. To begin, prospective clients use the platform Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire to schedule according to the therapist's availability.

How Michelle’s approaches translate to online work

Michelle commonly blends mindfulness practices with client-centered and cognitive behavioral ideas. Mindfulness Therapy involves simple exercises to notice thoughts and bodily sensations, which can help with anxiety, sleep issues, and stress. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and validation, helping people feel understood while they name goals and decide what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at thoughts and behaviors, teaching practical steps to reduce worry, change habits, and improve mood.

Finding the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. The therapist partners with each person to test what helps, adjust techniques, and set realistic goals. This makes sessions feel tailored rather than one-size-fits-all, and it helps people try small changes between meetings.

Session format details are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by removing travel time and allowing sessions during breaks. It can also let people practice mindfulness and behavioral exercises in the settings where they live and work, then bring observations back to sessions for discussion.