Profile / United States
Michelle Bonner, LMFT
California
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - Stress and Family
See online therapy options- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness work
- Solution-focused steps
About Michelle
Michelle Bonner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 17 years of clinical experience. She works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, family and parenting concerns, low self-esteem, and life transitions. Michelle also focuses on adoption and foster care issues, blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, and trauma-related concerns.
Her approach centers on clear, practical conversation. She listens to what is happening now and helps identify thought patterns and behaviors that make problems worse. Sessions typically include goal-focused talk, skill practice, and short exercises to try between meetings.
Michelle draws on several well-known methods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to notice and challenge unhelpful thoughts. Mindfulness techniques help with grounding and reducing reactivity. Solution-Focused Therapy supports setting small, achievable steps toward change.
She also uses Trauma-Focused and Client-Centered approaches for people coping with past abuse, post-traumatic stress, or complex family histories. That work looks at safety, pacing, and building emotional regulation skills before moving to tougher material.
Practical concerns such as communication problems, disruptive mood issues, and multicultural or discrimination-related stress are included in her caseload. Michelle aims for straightforward planning and measurable steps so parents and individuals can see what to try next.
If you decide to start, expect an initial conversation about goals and a brief plan for the first few sessions. The focus is on clear next steps rather than long, abstract discussion.
How Michelle uses structured approaches in online sessions
Michelle commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot and test unhelpful thoughts and habits. CBT sessions focus on practical steps - identifying a problematic thought, trying an alternative, and reviewing what changed - which can be practiced between appointments.She also uses Client-Centered methods that prioritize the client's perspective and pacing. That approach involves reflective listening and letting the client guide which concerns to tackle first. Mindfulness techniques are used to teach brief grounding and breathing exercises to reduce immediate reactivity and improve focus.
Deciding which approach to emphasize is part of the work. She will discuss your goals and preferences, then recommend a mix of methods to try. That recommendation is collaborative and can change as you test what helps.
Session formats were not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online sessions useful for fitting therapy around work or childcare, for shorter check-ins, or when an in-person meeting is impractical. The initial appointment typically reviews goals and sets the plan for the first few online meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, family and parenting issues, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She also focuses on adoption and foster care, blended family matters, trauma, and related concerns.
How does she use CBT in sessions?
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and habits and to practice alternative responses. Sessions include concrete exercises and homework to test new ways of thinking.
What is her professional background?
She has 17 years of professional experience working with individuals and families on mood, trauma, and parenting challenges. That experience informs a practical, goal-oriented style.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, licensed in California. Her practice is based in California.
In which language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on the chosen plan.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session. The questionnaire helps match goals and logistics before the initial meeting.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.