Michele Bonanno, LMHC - Therapist in Florida

Stress and anxiety
Trauma and grief
ACT and CBT methods

About Michele

Michele Bonanno is a Florida licensed mental health counselor, LMHC, with 32 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, and common early-adulthood pressures like career change and coping with life transitions.

She uses practical, conversational therapy rather than jargon. Sessions tend to focus on what is happening now, what gets in the way, and small steps that can make daily life easier. Michele blends several approaches to match each person's situation rather than following a single technique.

Michele often draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients notice unhelpful thinking and try different ways of responding. Attachment-based ideas shape how she looks at relationship patterns and intimacy issues. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are used when stronger emotion regulation tools are needed.

She also brings a client-centered stance, which means sessions follow the person's priorities and pace. Conversations typically include checking immediate concerns, setting a short-term goal, and practicing skills between sessions. Over time this can reduce overwhelming moments and make decisions feel more manageable.

Michele has worked with issues that span from parenting and caregiver stress to body image, chronic illness, and career difficulties. She accepts international clients and conducts work in English. For new clients she asks them to complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling the first session.

Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, encourages noticing unhelpful thoughts and choosing actions that align with personal values. It can help when someone feels stuck, anxious, or unsure about next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thought and behavior that fuel depression and anxiety; it often includes practical exercises to try between meetings.

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns influence current intimacy and connection. That approach can be useful when relationship patterns, abandonment concerns, or attachment issues cause repeated conflict or withdrawal. Michele combines these approaches to match what a person needs and prefers, and she discusses options openly so the person and therapist decide together what to try first.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can fit into a busy routine and make it easier to schedule around work, classes, or caregiving. They also let clients use shorter check-ins or less bandwidth when needed, and make it simpler to practice skills in everyday settings. Licensed professionals will work with each person to set goals, choose suitable methods, and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression ADHD

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGrief Intimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivity InfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issues Mood disorders Multicultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTrichotillomaniaWomen's issues Workplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

32+ years

Listed in

Florida

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

Michele works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, and related issues listed in her specialties.

How would she describe her therapeutic style?

She keeps sessions conversational and practical, focusing on present problems, short-term goals, and skills that can be used between appointments.

How many years has she practiced?

She has 32 years of clinical experience working with a wide range of emotional and life challenges.

What credential does she hold and where is she based?

She is a Florida LMHC and practices from Florida.

Does she work in other languages or with international clients?

Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

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

How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I start working with her?

Begin by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling 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.