- phone sessions only
- solution-focused work
- meditation teacher
About Elena
Dr. Elena Michaels is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 31 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem struggles, and life changes, and lists guilt and shame among her focus areas.
Elena frames people as the experts on their own stories and looks for strengths to build on. She describes her work as solution-focused and coaching-oriented, aiming to help clients move forward and gain more control over daily life. She also brings a spiritual outlook and meditation teaching into sessions when clients want that.
Her background includes time in the entertainment business, which influences how she thinks about performance pressure, confidence, and career transitions. Sessions are conducted by phone only, not video. That format is part of how she structures her practice.
In a typical early conversation she asks about immediate concerns and practical goals. She then suggests steps people can try between sessions and checks what is working. This approach is meant to create clearer communication, stronger motivation, and more consistent routines.
Her stated goals for clients include improving communication, resolving control or abandonment worries, and addressing issues tied to money, midlife shifts, or relationship endings. For someone carrying guilt or shame, she offers a way to talk through those feelings while focusing on tangible next steps.
How Elena Uses Evidence-Based Techniques in Phone Sessions
Elena describes her work as solution-focused and coaching-oriented. Solution-focused techniques concentrate on small, practical changes and on building what already works. This approach is often used when people want concrete steps to reduce anxiety, increase motivation, or improve communication.She also integrates meditation practices as a tool clients can use between sessions. Meditation can help with stress, panic symptoms, and grounding when shame or guilt feels overwhelming. When clients are interested, she combines short, teachable practices with practical goals to support daily routines.
Finding the right mix of methods is a collaborative process. She will work with the client to identify goals, try approaches, and adjust what she recommends based on what helps most. The aim is to match methods to the person’s needs and preferences rather than follow a single formula.
Her phone-only sessions remove the need to manage video and can make it easier to schedule a brief check-in during a work break or to fit therapy into a busy day. If you want to confirm which session options are currently offered, check the online therapy options before booking so you know what formats are available.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
31+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, life changes, and related concerns such as guilt and shame.
How does she approach shame or guilt?
She uses a solution-focused, coaching-oriented style that looks for strengths and practical steps to reduce the burden of those feelings.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 31 years of experience as a practicing psychotherapist in California.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA LMFT) with a private practice in California.
Does she work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients.
What is the session format and how are sessions billed?
Her stated sessions are phone sessions only. Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work together?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.