I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with family conflicts, parenting issues and trauma & abuse. I have worked extensively with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I will listen without judgement and am open to clients of any sexual orientation, ethnicity or culture. I believe that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Grief, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Depression, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Domestic violence, Family problems, First responder issues, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Infidelity, Post-traumatic stress, Sexual assault and abuse, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
CA LMFT 37351
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Michelle Carstensen. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Michelle has been an incredible resource for support and guidance as I navigate the most important and significant relationships in my life. She is a great listener who maintains a neutral perspective while simultaneously validating and meeting me where I am in the moment. She is thoughtful and purposeful in her contribution and provides real life actions I can take to change the patterns and conditioning that no longer serve me. I cannot say enough positive things about how she has helped to impact my life in the best way…thank you Michelle Carstensen!
Written on Jul 15, 2025 after therapy with Michelle for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Great Therapist
Written on Jun 20, 2025 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning trauma and abuse, and career difficulties
Michelle is a fantastic therapist. Attentive - informed - supportive - and works with you on your agenda and goals.
Written on Jun 12, 2025 after therapy with Michelle for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning depression, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, coping with life changes, and adhd
Michelle is very kind and listens
Written on Dec 05, 2024 after therapy with Michelle for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Michelle is a wonderful therapist! Couldn’t have been linked up with a better choice
Written on Nov 09, 2024 after therapy with Michelle for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Michelle is thoughtful, responsive engaged and engaging. I am thoroughly delighted with her ability to listen deeply and help me look more deeply.
Written on Jul 05, 2024 after therapy with Michelle for 5 months on issues concerning depression, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes