Michele Bussell, LMFT

Therapist in California

Compassionate, practical therapy for mood and stress issues

Continue with Michele Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

Focus on depression
Strengths-based approach
California LMFT

About Michele

Michele Bussell is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California with six years of clinical experience. She focuses on depression, anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, and building self-esteem. Michele aims to make the first step feel manageable and affirms the courage it takes to begin work on difficult issues.

She has worked in crisis residential treatment programs, school-based counseling, adult drug court substance programs, and behavioral health centers. That range of settings means she has supported people through intense emotional moments and ongoing life stressors. Michele uses straightforward conversation to help people name what is hard and find workable next steps.

Michele believes clients are the experts in their own lives and draws on each person’s strengths. She invites people to explore feelings without judgment and to bring their whole selves to sessions. This approach helps people connect what they feel with choices they can try between meetings.

Her focus areas also include mood disorders, bipolar concerns, panic and post-traumatic stress, attachment and abandonment issues, workplace strain, and challenges common to young adults and women. She also addresses divorce and separation, guilt and shame, and social anxiety.

Michele speaks English and accepts international clients. If someone is considering therapy, she asks them to use the Start Therapy button, complete a brief matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist’s availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

This summary is based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp.

How evidence-based techniques translate to online care

Michele practices evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on clear, practical steps and emotional understanding. One common approach is behavioral work that helps people test new habits and routines to reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety. This involves setting small experiments and noticing what changes.

Another useful approach is emotion-focused work, which helps people identify and name feelings, trace how emotions affect choices, and practice new ways of responding in relationships or stressful moments. This can be especially helpful for shame, abandonment fears, and relationship strain.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Michele collaborates with each person to pick methods that match their needs, goals, and day-to-day life. She adjusts pacing and techniques as progress is made and as preferences become clearer.

The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and let people join from locations that reduce interruptions. Licensed professionals can adapt techniques like behavioral experiments and emotion work to remote sessions, focusing on practical skills you can use between meetings.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michele commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and self-esteem. Additional focuses include mood disorders, panic, post-traumatic stress, and workplace or young adult issues.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Michele uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and plain conversation to help people name problems and try practical steps. She emphasizes exploring feelings without judgment and using personal strengths.

What kinds of settings has she worked in?

Her six years of experience include crisis residential programs, school-based counseling, adult drug court substance programs, and behavioral health centers. That background informs her approach to both crisis and ongoing concerns.

Where is Michele licensed to practice?

She is a California licensed marriage and family therapist, LMFT, and practices from California.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are accepted.

What session formats are offered?

The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.

How are fees and payment handled?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication. A doctor can talk with you about medical options. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.