- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Guilt and shame work
About Michaela
Michaela Sandy is a California licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 12 years of experience. She works with adults and young adults on stress, anxiety, relationships, family concerns, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She also lists focused areas such as abandonment, attachment issues, caregiver stress, communication problems, forgiveness, and guilt and shame.
Michaela emphasizes straightforward conversation and practical steps. She prioritizes building trust and connection so people can speak honestly about difficult feelings. Sessions center on clear goals and simple tools to handle day-to-day challenges.
Her approach blends Solution-Focused Therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Using a solution-focused lens, she helps people identify strengths and set small, doable goals. With CBT, she works on the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions to develop better coping habits.
She has spent over a decade supporting youth, young adults, and family members through anxiety, school and social stressors, identity concerns, and relationship strain. She has experience assisting parents and caregivers who want clearer communication and firmer boundaries within their households.
Michaela aims to make therapy practical. Sessions focus on what can change now and on building skills that fit everyday life. People leave with steps they can try between meetings and a clearer sense of what to work on next.
How evidence-based methods translate to online therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy focuses on small, practical steps. In sessions the therapist helps clients spot what is already working and build short-term goals they can try between meetings. This approach can help with guilt, decision-making, and moving past a stuck point.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. In practice this means identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and learning specific skills to respond differently to distressing feelings like shame or anxiety.
Finding the right fit is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which approach or combination makes sense based on their needs, goals, and preferences. That decision is revisited as work progresses so methods stay useful and relevant.
The original biography does not list which online formats are used, so confirm current session options before booking. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Talk with the therapist about scheduling needs and what will make sessions practical for day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she support?
She supports stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, self-esteem, and coping with life changes, including issues like guilt and shame.
How does she approach guilt and shame?
She uses a mix of Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to clarify goals and examine thoughts that keep guilt or shame stuck.
How much experience does she have working with these issues?
She has 12 years of professional experience supporting people with anxiety, family conflict, self-esteem, and life transitions.
What credential does she hold and where does she practice?
She is a California LCSW and practices in California.
Can I meet with her if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered?
The original profile does not specify session formats; confirm current session options before booking to know how meetings are held.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.