Michelle Varady , LCSW

Michelle Varady is a licensed therapist (LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker) practicing in California with ten years of clinical experience working with people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, depression, grief, sleep difficulties, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and related concerns. She centers her work on exploring deeper internal patterns through Internal Family Systems and shadow work, helping clients identify the inner parts and dynamics that shape emotions, behaviors, and relationships. While her aim is lasting, foundational change, she also teaches practical coping skills drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Somatic Therapy to reduce day-to-day distress and improve functioning. Michelle views therapy as a collaborative process that respects each person's knowledge of their own life and strengths while offering structure, tools, and compassion to support growth. She works with a wide range of presenting issues - from addictions and mood disorders to codependency, communication difficulties, and midlife transitions - and adapts her methods to fit each client's needs and goals. Michelle is accepting new clients and provides care in English.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is practical and skills-focused, often used for anxiety, depression, and managing everyday stressors.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. It supports people who experience intense emotions, impulsivity, or relationship challenges by teaching concrete strategies to manage strong feelings and reactions.

Somatic Therapy attends to body sensations and movement as part of healing from trauma and chronic stress. It helps people notice how the body holds experience and learn embodied practices that reduce tension and improve self-regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Michelle works collaboratively with clients to explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts techniques over time to support sustainable progress.

Online therapy with licensed professionals offers flexible access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, travel, or caregiving responsibilities, maintain continuity during life changes, and connect with a therapist from different locations, including international clients.