- Stress and anxiety
- Addiction support
- Attachment issues
About Michael
Michael Gallese is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) practicing in California with 10 years of experience in behavioral health. He works with young adults and other adults on stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and self-esteem concerns. He also focuses on attachment and abandonment issues, codependency, communication problems, impulsivity, and feelings of isolation.
He trained and worked as a behavioral health technician, case manager, and substance abuse counselor before becoming an LPCC. That practical background shapes how he approaches therapy - he pays attention to everyday struggles and observable patterns, not just diagnoses on a chart. Sessions are straightforward and goal oriented, with clear feedback and actionable steps to try between meetings.
Michael describes his style as direct and collaborative. He talks through what keeps patterns alive and helps people test different ways of responding. He expects work outside sessions, such as small experiments or communication exercises, to help change routines and reactions.
People who felt therapy missed the point before or who are skeptical about therapy often find his approach useful. He focuses on building more adaptive ways of coping with stress, managing cravings or impulsivity, and processing trauma and grief at a practical pace.
He works in English and practices in California. Before booking, readers should confirm current session options and formats.
How evidence-based approaches are used online
Michael uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address common concerns young adults face. One common approach focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, then testing small changes in daily life to reduce anxiety and improve mood. This method helps with worry, low mood, and problem-solving when stress feels overwhelming.Another approach centers on processing reactions tied to past hurt and trauma. It combines careful discussion of painful memories with exercises that help reduce reactivity and build steadier responses over time. This work can be useful for people dealing with abuse, post-traumatic stress, or repeated relationship pain.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael collaborates with each person to figure out which techniques fit their needs, goals, and preferences. He uses client feedback and short experiments to adjust the plan rather than sticking to a single method.
Confirm current session options before booking, since the biography does not list specific formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into study or work schedules, cut travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. If you want sessions to match a busy day or test changes between meetings, ask about the available formats when you schedule.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and self-esteem issues. He also addresses related concerns like attachment, codependency, and isolation.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His approach is direct and collaborative, with honest feedback and practical tasks to try between sessions. He focuses on identifying patterns and testing new ways of responding.
How long has he worked in behavioral health?
He has about 10 years of experience in behavioral health, including roles as a behavioral health technician, case manager, and substance abuse counselor before becoming an LPCC.
What credential does he hold and where does he practice?
He is an LPCC licensed in California and practices in that state.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Check the platform or his profile for up-to-date details.
How does payment work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.