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ML Portrait of Michelle Lesagonicz

Michelle Lesagonicz

Empowering change through practical, person-centered therapy

LCSW Alaska

Experience
11 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Michelle

About Michelle

Michelle Lesagonicz is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Alaska who brings 11 years of experience to her practice and centers care on evidence-informed approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Background and approach

She emphasizes a person-centered stance that honors each client's priorities while drawing on mindfulness, CBT techniques, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused strategies to support practical change. Her style highlights listening, respect, and clear communication to help clients explore goals and navigate challenges.

Michelle works with adults facing a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family issues, addiction, sleep problems, and anger. She also supports people coping with chronic pain, illness, life transitions, loneliness, workplace difficulties, panic and phobias, and issues around self-esteem and life purpose.

In sessions she offers tools to manage symptoms, process difficult experiences, and build skills for decision making and self-empowerment. Clients can expect collaborative work that blends practical problem solving with mindful awareness to increase balance and resilience.

Michelle invites those ready to explore change to begin a process of learning, growth, and renewed agency.

Online therapy that blends practical skills and mindful awareness

Michelle commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop concrete strategies to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, panic, and phobias. She also integrates Client-Centered Therapy principles, creating a respectful, empathic space that prioritizes each person’s goals and lived experience while supporting self-directed growth.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with clients to explore which methods best fit their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, and may combine elements from different approaches to tailor treatment. This process is iterative and aims to find practical, personally meaningful ways to make change.

Online sessions are available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for varying schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity during life transitions, manage ongoing care from home in Alaska, and fit therapy into busy days while still engaging in focused, evidence-informed work.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michelle commonly address?
She works with adults on issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family problems, addictions, sleep difficulties, anger, self-esteem, bipolar symptoms, and compassion fatigue, among other challenges.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is person-centered and collaborative, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques to tailor work to each client's needs.
What is her professional background?
She has practiced as a licensed clinical social worker for 11 years and has experience helping adults with trauma processing, coping skills, and life changes.
Where is she licensed and based?
Michelle holds the credential AK LCSW 108948 and provides services while located in Alaska.
Does she work with non-English speakers or international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available for remote work?
She offers a variety of online formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and preferences.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression

Also works with

AddictionsSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Chronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsControl issuesEmptinessFamily problemsIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

11+ years

Licensed

Alaska

Languages

English