- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Creative methods
About Michelle
Michelle Pliska is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health (LPC-MH) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with 18 years of experience in South Dakota. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and life changes, and she lists life purpose among her focus areas. Michelle also supports clients with LGBTQ concerns and a range of relationship and workplace pressures.
Her background includes work in clinical mental health and educational settings, such as middle and high schools and college environments. She has experience with juvenile justice systems and with caregiver stress. Those roles shaped a practical, straightforward way of talking through problems and planning next steps.
In sessions Michelle uses traditional talk therapy alongside creative methods. She is registered as a play therapist and may bring music, art, or other creative activities into sessions when helpful. This can be useful for expressing feelings that are hard to name or for trying new ways of coping.
Clients can expect conversations that focus on specific concerns and on small, doable changes. Michelle helps people identify what matters next and practices skills for handling stress, setting boundaries, and improving communication. She also works on issues such as abandonment, guilt and shame, isolation, and forgiveness.
Her approach draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address things like post-traumatic stress, workplace problems, financial stress, midlife questions, and sexuality. People who choose her often want practical guidance about where to go next after a big life change.
Sessions are conducted in English. Prospective clients should confirm current session options before booking and follow the site steps to match and schedule a first appointment.
Approaches and how online sessions can work
Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques alongside creative methods. Traditional talk therapy focuses on identifying specific problems, practicing coping skills, and improving communication. This approach is useful for stress, anxiety, workplace issues, and depression because it breaks concerns into manageable steps and skill practice.She is also registered as a play therapist and incorporates music, art, or other creative expression when it helps a person access feelings or try new ways of coping. Creative methods can be effective for grief, isolation, emotional expression, and processing traumatic memories in ways that words alone may not capture.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which techniques fit their goals, preferences, and the challenges they bring. That process can include trying different methods and adjusting the plan based on what helps.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also accommodate people who prefer to work without being on camera or who need a quieter setting during a break from work. Practical scheduling and format details should be confirmed when matching and booking a first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
South Dakota, California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, life changes, and life purpose questions, plus related issues such as abandonment, caregiver stress, and workplace problems.
How does she approach feeling stuck?
Her work combines traditional talk therapy with creative activities when helpful. She focuses on practical steps and communication skills to help people move forward.
What is her background and experience?
She has 18 years of professional experience across clinical mental health and educational settings, and has worked in juvenile justice contexts.
What credentials and location does she hold?
She is an LPC-MH and an LPCC licensed in South Dakota.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are used?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.