- Direct collaborative style
- Focus on patterns
- Practical between-session work
About Michael
Michael Gallese is a licensed professional clinical counselor in California. He helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, and low self-esteem. He also addresses issues like codependency, attachment wounds, and family of origin concerns.
He draws on more than 10 years in behavioral health. That experience includes roles as a behavioral health technician, case manager, and substance abuse counselor before becoming an LPCC. Those prior roles shaped how he sees day-to-day struggles and practical barriers to change.
Michael uses a direct, collaborative style in sessions. He talks plainly about what keeps patterns going and offers concrete feedback. Expect conversations that point to clearer goals and short exercises to try between meetings.
Sessions focus on making changes that matter outside the therapy room. He works with people who felt stuck by past therapy or who are unsure if therapy will help. The work often involves looking at attachment, control and communication patterns, and how past hurts show up now.
Clients can expect a mix of honest discussion and practical assignments. Michael emphasizes understanding triggers, building healthier boundaries, and reducing impulsive or avoidant behaviors. His aim is steady progress you can notice in daily life.
How evidence-based approaches can work online
Michael uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address patterns like codependency, attachment wounds, and mood concerns. One commonly used approach focuses on identifying unhelpful relationship patterns and practicing new ways of relating. That work helps with communication problems, boundary-setting, and reducing reactive behaviors.Another useful approach involves skills-based strategies for managing anxiety and impulsivity. These techniques teach concrete tools for calming strong emotions, tolerating distress, and changing behaviors that keep problems going.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. The therapist works collaboratively with each person to choose strategies that match their goals and preferences, and he adjusts the plan as progress is made.
For practical details about session delivery, confirm the current session options before booking since formats were not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten travel time, and allow check-ins during breaks. Some formats also let people use audio-only when bandwidth is limited or a quicker check-in is needed. Ask about the available formats when you schedule so sessions fit your life and needs.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Michael help with?
He helps people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and struggles with self-esteem. He also focuses on related concerns such as codependency, attachment issues, and family of origin problems.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His style is direct and collaborative. He aims to identify what's driving patterns and offers honest feedback alongside practical strategies to try between sessions.
What is his background in behavioral health?
He has over 10 years of experience in behavioral health, including time as a behavioral health technician, case manager, and substance abuse counselor before becoming a licensed therapist.
What credentials and location apply to his practice?
He holds an LPCC credential and practices in California as a California LPCC.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified in the provided biography; confirm current session options before booking so you know whether sessions are remote, in person, or by phone.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.