Michelle Upton, LICSW - Therapist in Massachusetts

About Michelle

Michelle Upton is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, self-esteem struggles, and parenting challenges. She also addresses addictions, career concerns, compassion fatigue, and coping with life changes. Michelle practices in Massachusetts and brings a calm, steady presence to sessions.

She keeps sessions simple and practical. Michelle listens first, then helps clients set clear goals. She uses straightforward tools to manage stress and improve communication.

Background and approach

Sessions aim to leave people with concrete steps they can try between meetings. Michelle mixes several therapy styles rather than using only one method. She commonly draws on client-centered work, cognitive behavioral ideas, dialectical behavior skills, existential questions, and mindfulness practices.

The combination is chosen to match what each person needs at the time. Her background includes eight years of professional practice as a LICSW. That experience includes supporting people through serious life changes and coordinating with other care providers when needed.

Michelle says she takes it seriously when someone reaches out during a hard time. In sessions she focuses on building a respectful, down-to-earth working relationship. She aims to help clients improve communication, manage emotions, and make changes that fit their real lives.

Michelle emphasizes collaboration and practical steps toward the goals people bring to therapy.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Michelle commonly uses client-centered therapy, which means she focuses on listening closely and shaping sessions around what matters most to the client. This approach helps people feel heard and guides practical problem solving for relationship and life stress.

She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. CBT provides concrete skills for managing anxiety, low mood, and unhelpful habits. Dialectical behavior therapy skills are used too, offering tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication.

Choosing the right method is a team effort. Michelle will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and try different approaches when needed. Together the therapist and client decide what feels most useful and adjust the plan over time.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to keep continuity during stressful periods. The variety of formats supports ongoing work on communication, coping skills, and practical steps between sessions.

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 work with?

She helps with stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, relationship and parenting concerns, as well as addictions, career issues, compassion fatigue, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapeutic style like?

She listens first and then helps set clear, achievable goals. Sessions focus on practical steps and improving communication.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Michelle has eight years of experience as a licensed clinician working with people through major life changes and coordinated care needs.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She holds an MA and is a LICSW with registration MA LICSW 122973, and practices in Massachusetts.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are offered?

Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How is payment handled and what does it cost?

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

How do I begin working with Michelle?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session based on therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Grief

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 8 years
Licensed: Massachusetts
Languages: English

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