Michelle Stanton White, LMFT - Therapist in California

About Michelle

Michelle Stanton White is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strains, grief, and parenting challenges. She speaks English and Vietnamese and works from California. Michelle uses straightforward, practical talk to clarify problems and find steps that feel doable for each person.

She left a career in the computer industry to train as a therapist because she wanted to help people lead better lives.

Background and approach

Michelle is an active collaborator in sessions. She listens, points out patterns that get in the way, and suggests concrete alternatives to try between meetings. Her work blends several evidence-informed methods.

She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, Dialectical Behavior Therapy for emotion regulation and coping skills, and Client-Centered Therapy to build a trusting relationship. She also uses Motivational Interviewing and Emotionally-Focused tools when they fit the situation. Michelle has nine years of clinical experience and holds the LMFT credential - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

She supports people dealing with life transitions, caregiving stress, aging concerns, gender dysphoria, and intimacy or sexuality questions as listed in her specialties. Sessions focus on practical steps, clearer communication, and small experiments that can reduce distress. The approach is collaborative - Michelle works with each person to choose what will help most, then adjusts as needed.

Therapeutic methods and online options

Client-Centered Therapy centers the person in the room by prioritizing empathy and acceptance so clients can speak openly and decide goals that matter to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavioral changes to reduce symptoms like anxiety and low mood. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills for handling intense emotions and improving coping in stressful moments.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michelle will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences, and will adjust techniques as progress is made. This helps keep sessions relevant and focused on what the client wants to change.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy family schedules, allow follow-up or skill coaching between meetings, and provide flexibility when in-person visits are difficult. Licensed professionals can use these formats to deliver structured sessions, homework, and skill practice tailored to each person's situation.

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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michelle address?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, grief, self esteem, LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, sleep problems, parenting, anger, career challenges, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include aging and geriatric concerns, caregiver stress, and gender dysphoria.

What is her approach to therapy?

Sessions are collaborative and practical. Michelle combines Client-Centered work with techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused strategies as appropriate.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has nine years of experience working as a therapist. That background informs her practical, problem-solving style.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is an LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA LMFT 105622, practicing in California.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Vietnamese.

Can international clients work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are offered?

Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How does cost and scheduling work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 9 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English, Vietnamese

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