Michelle Pliska

Michelle Pliska is a licensed counselor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and major life changes. She works with those experiencing LGBTQ-related concerns and supports people coping with isolation and loneliness. Michelle presents a calm, steady presence and offers a listening ear to anyone who needs one.

Michelle holds the LPC-MH and LPCC credentials and brings 18 years of professional experience. Her background includes work in clinical mental health and educational settings, including middle and high schools and college environments. She has also worked within juvenile justice systems, which informs her understanding of varied life circumstances.

Her practice centers on traditional talk therapy, with options to include creative elements when helpful. She is registered as a play therapist and may use music, art, or other creative activities to help people express difficult emotions and process experiences. Sessions aim to be practical and paced to each person’s needs.

In sessions Michelle focuses on building a trusting relationship and helping people move toward the life they want. She emphasizes honest conversations about feelings like shame, guilt, or abandonment, and practical steps for everyday challenges such as workplace stress or money worries.

Clients can expect straightforward collaboration on goals and coping strategies. Michelle adapts the work to each person’s situation and values, aiming to support growth, self-compassion, and clearer direction in life.

How therapeutic methods translate to online work

Michelle uses evidence-based techniques tailored to each person. One common approach is traditional talk therapy, which focuses on discussing feelings and behavior to develop coping skills and clearer goals. This approach can help with anxiety, depression, and navigating life changes.

She also incorporates creative therapy tools when useful, such as music or art activities. These creative methods offer another way to express difficult emotions and can be especially helpful when words are hard to find or when processing grief and isolation.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about what feels helpful and adjust methods based on the client's needs, goals, and preferences. Together they will try ways of working that fit the person rather than forcing one method.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so please confirm available online options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into daily life, reduce travel time, and allow for flexible scheduling around work or caregiving. It can also allow brief check-ins when full sessions are not possible and reduce the need to arrange transportation or childcare.