Michelle Lesagonicz, LCSW

Michelle Lesagonicz is a licensed clinical social worker who brings 11 years of experience supporting adults in Alaska. She focuses on the person in front of her and helps people make changes that matter to them. Her style is practical and straightforward, aimed at lowering anxiety and depression and improving day-to-day coping.

Michelle uses client-centered care with tools drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. She often teaches simple grounding and breathing techniques, and practical ways to rethink unhelpful thoughts. She guides people through strategies to manage chronic pain, sleep problems, and the stress that comes with ongoing health challenges.

Trauma and difficult past events are addressed with attention to pacing and safety. Michelle helps people name reactions, build coping skills, and take small steps toward feeling more in control. She also supports those struggling with addictions, anger, or compassion fatigue by working on clear goals and steady routines.

For people facing life transitions, relationship strain, or questions about purpose, Michelle favors solution-focused planning. She helps clients identify one or two achievable steps, then checks what works and what needs adjusting. Sessions aim to leave people with something concrete to try between meetings.

Michelle emphasizes respectful listening and collaboration. She invites clients to set the agenda, and she adapts techniques to each person’s values and pace. To begin, clients complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Evidence-informed approaches for online care

Michelle commonly uses client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy when working with people. Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening, respect, and collaboration so the person sets the pace and goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing practical changes to reduce symptoms like anxiety or low mood.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. The therapist will work with each person to decide which methods feel most useful. That conversation includes discussing goals, trying techniques, and adjusting methods if something does not fit.

Confirm the session formats offered before booking so you know what to expect. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also let people practice skills in the places where stress and symptoms actually happen. Ask about current session options during the match and scheduling steps so arrangements match your needs.