I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York. I operate from several treatment including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy and Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). I Received my Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling and chose to obtain an additional specialty in Sexual Orientation. I am able to work with individuals and couples/relationships both LGBTQ and Straight as well as monogamous and ethically Poly-formed relationships for a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. I am currently in Private Practice after an extensive career in non-profit, agency, and hospital settings. I endorse the the philosophies of holism and recovery when I approach mental wellness. Philosophically I believe that people are not defined by their mental illness or diagnosis and I work hard to help those I work with find the freedom they seek to have the life they want. I have experience working with individuals who suffer from depression, Anxiety and phobias, addiction/substance abuse, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, trauma, personality disorders, recovering from infidelity, sexual functioning concerns (all gender identifications) as well as those considering gender reassignment surgery.

As a licensed therapist in Connecticut, New York, and Colorado, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions and personal challenges. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-understanding, and effective coping strategies across various domains of life. I bring expertise in addressing stress, anxiety, family dynamics, self-esteem challenges, and career difficulties. My practice focuses on supporting young adults, women, military veterans, and individuals experiencing family transitions, including divorce and blended family situations. My therapeutic style emphasizes compassionate, personalized care. I work collaboratively with clients to explore communication patterns, life purpose, and personal growth. Whether you're struggling with obsessive thoughts, caregiver stress, or seeking deeper self-love, I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where you can develop meaningful insights and practical skills. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to help clients build emotional resilience, improve relationships, and move toward more fulfilling lives. I welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, offering a non-judgmental space for healing and transformation.

You already know that whatever brings you to counseling right now requires both the expertise of the counselor AND your own courage and willingness to look honestly at your self and your circumstances. Not easy for you alone, or you wouldn’t be here. It takes both of us. I can support and guide you as you explore the issues that bring you to BetterHelp and I can help you revitalize your self-care and your self-awareness. I've been a therapist for 25 years and specialize in helping people cultivate the skills to address stress-reduction; completeness/healing with grief, loss and transition; healthy boundaries; self-care and self-compassion. You must be willing to do your part. We’ll use: Honest conversation Probing questions Home assignments such as reading reflecting mindfulness practices journaling to work with what’s getting in your way and get you reconnected with your wellbeing. My many years of experience as a therapist and mindfulness educator can help you ease your load and rekindle your spark. My schedule is NOT in the BetterHelp calendar. Appointments are scheduled by me at our mutual convenience once the intake/screening process is completed and we have decided we are a good match. I currently have openings on Wednesdays between 9 am and 2 pm Eastern, 6 am and 11 am Pacific.

Welcome to BetterHelp, if you are reaching out for help it shows your are interested in recovering your life and starting to work toward solutions to challenges. My name is Michelle Defino, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years experience. I graduated from Binghamton University in 2008 and have worked primarily worked with substance abuse/co-occurring clients. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bi-polar and other more severe mental illness. I have worked with a Federal Re-entry Substance Abuse Program for the last 3 years. I use many forms of therapy to meet the needs of my clients including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution focused. I use these modalities to help to change thinking and behaviors that lead to many of the issues in daily life. Another modality I use is mindfulness to increase focus and concentration. I realize how difficult it can be to ask for assistance and how important it is for you and I am looking forward to working with you and helping you to gain the life you are hoping for. I will consider different ways to work with you, however prefer video, since we will be able to see and get to know each other easier. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you.

I am licensed in New York with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a licensed psychotherapist in the New York area with 5 years of experience. I specialize in depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I use evidence-based treatment modalities that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. I will provide a solution-focused approach and I believe that everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, not judged, supported, and understood.

I am licensed in the states of New York and North Carolina with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in New York with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in New York with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in New York with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Florida and New York with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am also a specialized Trauma provider certified in Rapid Resolution Therapy ( currently an Associate Trainer with Institute of RRT ) , and Accelerator Resolution Therapy. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in New Jersey and New York with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with despression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in New York with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, anxiety, depression and facial differences such as being cleft affected. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Talking with a stranger could be terrifying and liberating at the same time. Just try to remember you deserve to be here. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!