Profile / United States
Michelle Lesagonicz, LCSW
Alaska
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Stress and Trauma
See online therapy options- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness methods
- Motivational interviewing
About Michelle
Michelle Lesagonicz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Alaska with 11 years of experience working with adults. She focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, sleep problems, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue.
Michelle works in a straightforward, person-centered way. She listens to what matters most and helps people notice patterns in thoughts and behavior. She uses mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques to try new responses to old problems.
In sessions she teaches practical skills for lowering anxiety and managing chronic pain or illness. She also helps people process traumatic events and cope with major life changes. Meetings include short exercises, thought tracking, and step-by-step problem solving rather than long abstract discussion.
Michelle emphasizes clear communication and collaborative planning. She helps people make specific choices and try small experiments between sessions. That can include breathing and grounding practices, reworking stressful thinking, or setting concrete goals for daily routine and sleep.
Her work aims to increase self-awareness and actionable skills. People come away with tools they can use right away to reduce symptoms and handle tough moments differently. The pace and focus are set together at each session.
How Michelle Uses Structured Approaches in Remote Sessions
Michelle blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered approaches in straightforward ways. CBT focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing practical behavior changes to reduce anxiety or improve mood. Client-Centered work means sessions are guided by what the person wants to address and by clear listening from the therapist.She also uses Mindfulness Therapy to teach simple attention and grounding exercises that help with stress, sleep, and managing strong emotions. Mindfulness practices are short and practiced between sessions to build everyday habits for calm and focus.
Deciding which approach to use is a shared process. The therapist will review goals, try a method for a few sessions, and adjust based on what helps. That collaborative testing lets the person see concrete differences and pick the strategies that fit their life.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, and avoid travel time. The therapist will discuss what works best and plan sessions that fit the client's routine and needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
Alaska
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family concerns, addictions, sleep issues, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem, bipolar symptoms, and compassion fatigue among other areas.
How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of responding. Sessions include tracking thoughts, practicing small changes, and reviewing what works between meetings.
What is her professional background?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 11 years working with adult clients in Alaska.
Where is she based and licensed?
She is located in Alaska and holds an Alaska LCSW credential.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule the first session through the platform.
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.