Michelle Lesesne-De Santis, LCSW

Michelle Lesesne-De Santis is a licensed clinical social worker in Florida who focuses on helping people build confidence and motivation. She brings 25 years of experience to conversations about career struggles, self esteem, and coping with major life changes. Michelle frames therapy as a collaborative process and aims to meet people where they are. Her work often centers on practical, goal-oriented steps. She uses proven approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try different ways of responding. Sessions can include skill practice, goal setting, and gentle reflection on values and priorities. Michelle also supports people facing compassion fatigue, career transitions, body image concerns, and challenges tied to illness such as cancer or traumatic brain injury. She helps people talk through isolation, communication problems, and questions about life purpose and forgiveness. She adapts the pace and focus to each person's needs, combining narrative techniques and mindfulness to help people make meaning from difficult experiences. The goal is clearer choices and steps that feel doable. Taking a first step can feel hard, and Michelle aims to offer steady, respectful guidance while clients try new approaches. Prospective clients in Florida can expect a respectful, practical partnership focused on real-life improvements.

Therapeutic approaches and how they translate online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take concrete steps toward them while learning to live with difficult thoughts and feelings. It is useful for motivation, life transitions, and dealing with ongoing stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking and testing new behaviors to change feelings and outcomes; it can help with low self esteem, career setbacks, and managing overwhelm. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist listens and follows the client's lead to support self-directed change.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Michelle will collaborate with each person to identify which methods make sense for their goals and preferences. That process can include trying different techniques, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan together over time.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. 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 some people work without being on camera. Licensed professionals can guide practical next steps and help tailor sessions so therapy fits into everyday life.