Michelle Lesesne-De Santis

Empathetic, practical support for life transitions

LCSW Florida

Experience: 25 years in practice
Focus areas: Self esteem, Career, Coping with life changes
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Michelle

Michelle Lesesne-De Santis is a licensed clinical social worker in Florida who draws on 25 years of practice to support people navigating motivation, self-esteem, career challenges, and major life transitions.

Background and approach

She integrates cognitive behavioral techniques alongside acceptance-based and client-centered methods to create practical plans tailored to each person’s goals. Her work also extends to coaching professionals and addressing compassion fatigue for those in demanding roles.

Known for an approach grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion, she adapts conversations and treatment to reflect individual circumstances and preferences. Her areas of focus include body image, communication difficulties, life purpose, and issues related to cancer and traumatic brain injury, among others.

Michelle emphasizes partnership in the therapeutic process, helping clients build confidence and move toward more fulfilling, sustainable change. She practices in Florida and offers services in English.

Michelle frames the decision to begin therapy as a courageous step and positions herself as a supportive guide through that process.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support

Michelle combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to offer structured, goal-oriented work alongside acceptance and values-based strategies. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to alleviate everyday difficulties like low self-esteem and career stress. ACT helps people clarify their values and take committed action even when uncomfortable thoughts or feelings arise, which can be useful for life transitions and compassion fatigue.

She also draws on client-centered and mindfulness-informed practices to create an atmosphere of empathetic listening and present-moment awareness. Finding the right approach is collaborative; she works with each client to determine which combination of methods best matches their needs, goals, and personal preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and accessibility for busy schedules and varied comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life changes and to fit sessions into professional or personal routines while staying connected with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

Her practice focuses on self-esteem, career challenges, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue, with additional attention to body image, cancer, communication problems, and related concerns.

What is her therapeutic style?

She uses cognitive behavioral strategies alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered listening, mindfulness, and narrative techniques to tailor an approach that fits each person's needs.

How much experience does she bring?

She brings 25 years of professional experience working with clients on motivation, confidence, career issues, and life transitions.

What are her credentials and location?

She is licensed as an LCSW in Florida with licence number FL LCSW SW7550 and practices from that state.

Does she work with non-English speakers or international clients?

Her practice is conducted in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different preferences and schedules.

How is cost and billing handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working with her?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Body imageCancerCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterForgivenessIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisSelf-loveTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Licensed

Florida

Languages

English