- Stress and anxiety
- LGBTQ issues
- Relationship support
About Michelle
Michelle Winkel is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California with 25 years of experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, LGBTQ issues, relationship and intimacy concerns, and helping people cope with life changes. Michelle aims to make it easier to talk about difficult emotions and worries without judgment.
She creates a calm, open space where clients can say what they think and feel. Sessions are collaborative - she listens, asks questions, and helps people notice patterns that get in the way of what they want. The goal is to help clients find practical steps that fit their daily lives.
Over two and a half decades of practice has exposed her to many challenges, including caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, aging and end-of-life concerns, and issues around body image and eating. She also addresses attachment and family of origin concerns, fatherhood topics, hoarding, and matters related to HIV and gender dysphoria.
Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and adapts them to each person’s needs. She works with people on communication problems, intimacy struggles, and the emotional fallout from life transitions. Her approach is straightforward and compassionate, aimed at helping people build coping skills and clearer ways of relating.
Sessions are conducted in English and follow California practice standards. Prospective clients complete a short intake process before scheduling so initial sessions can focus on immediate priorities and next steps.
How therapeutic approaches fit into online care
Many of Michelle's methods come from evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach she uses helps people identify and change patterns of thinking and behavior that increase anxiety and stress. This method is useful for worry, panic, and repetitive negative thoughts.Another approach emphasizes improving communication and emotional connection. It helps people express needs, set boundaries, and rebuild trust and intimacy in relationships. This work is often useful for couples and individuals struggling with closeness or repeated conflicts.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will ask about your goals, everyday routine, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together you decide which techniques fit best and adjust them as you go.
Practical benefits of online therapy can include easier scheduling and fitting sessions into a busy day. Online options can reduce travel time and make shorter check-ins possible when needed. The specific session formats offered are not listed here, so please confirm available online or in-person session options before booking.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, LGBTQ related concerns, relationship and intimacy issues, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include aging, caregiver stress, chronic illness, body image, eating issues, and more.
What is her approach to therapy?
Her work uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques delivered in a straightforward, practical way. Sessions focus on listening, identifying patterns, and building everyday coping skills.
How much experience does she have?
She has 25 years of professional experience working with a wide range of emotional and life challenges.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a California licensed marriage and family therapist - LMFT - and practices in California.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?
Fees vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during the intake and matching process.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability to begin the process.