Michelle Lesagonicz, LCSW - Therapist in Alaska

About Michelle

Michelle Lesagonicz is a licensed clinical social worker who centers sessions on each person’s needs. She uses straightforward, practical methods to help people lower anxiety, manage stress, and find clearer choices in difficult times. Conversations are grounded in respect and listening so clients can set goals at their own pace.

With 11 years of practice in Alaska, she draws on several approaches to support change. Michelle uses client-centered techniques to follow what matters most to the individual.

Background and approach

She also incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful thoughts and mindfulness to build calm and focus. Her work includes guidance for people dealing with depression, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, addictions, and coping with life changes. Michelle also addresses concerns such as chronic pain, communication problems, feelings of emptiness, and workplace stress.

She offers tools for improving self-esteem, handling anger, and navigating midlife shifts. Sessions aim to be practical and solution oriented. Michelle can teach skills for managing panic, reducing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, and responding to triggers from past events.

Motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques are used to identify small, achievable steps toward a client’s goals. People can expect straightforward conversation about what is working and what needs to change. The emphasis is on building awareness, making informed choices, and creating realistic plans.

Michelle welcomes questions about the process and next steps.

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Client-centered therapy focuses on what matters most to the client and shapes sessions around personal goals and values. It helps people who want a supportive space to figure out priorities and make decisions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical exercises to reduce anxiety, depression, and unhelpful behavior patterns. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing skills to manage stress and improve focus in daily life.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will listen to a person’s concerns, try techniques, and adjust based on what helps most. Clients and the therapist decide together which methods to combine and how fast to move toward goals.

Online formats make regular therapy easier to fit into busy days. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions offer a simpler option, and live chat or text messaging provide shorter check-ins and step-by-step support between sessions. These options increase flexibility and make it easier to use the same practical exercises and mindfulness practices from wherever the client is located.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michelle address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, sleep problems, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem, bipolar issues, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include chronic pain, relationship and communication problems, isolation, and workplace issues.

What is her general therapeutic style?

Michelle uses a person-centered style that follows each client’s priorities. She blends CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques to teach practical skills and support decision making.

How much experience does she have?

She has 11 years of experience working as a licensed clinical social worker. That background informs her use of several evidence-based approaches in session.

Where is Michelle licensed to practice?

She holds the Alaska LCSW license number AK LCSW 108948 and is based in Alaska.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Therapy is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different preferences and schedules.

How are costs and billing handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Michelle?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist’s availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 11 years
Licensed: Alaska
Languages: English

Next step

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