Sheet 1
- Anxiety disorders
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness practice
About Michelle
Michelle Castellani is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey with 12 years of clinical experience. She has spent much of her career working in healthcare settings and in private practice since 2007. Her main areas of work include anxiety, mood disorders, eating concerns, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and grief, and substance-related struggles.
In healthcare roles she developed crisis intervention and adjustment coping skills. Those experiences shaped how she supports people navigating a new diagnosis or sudden life change. In private practice she has worked extensively with anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias, along with depression and bipolar presentations.
She uses a few core approaches in sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is used to identify how thoughts affect feelings and behavior. Mindfulness practices, informed by a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course she completed, are offered as practical coping tools. She also draws on a strengths perspective to notice and build on the skills people already have.
Michelle describes her work as a mix of listening, clarifying the problem, and then choosing techniques that match the person's needs. Sessions tend to focus on concrete skills - breathing and meditation practice, thought-challenging exercises, and identifying existing strengths to apply to current problems.
Her experience spans clinical settings and private practice, so she can shift between crisis-focused support and longer-term work. People who want clear, skills-oriented sessions that combine CBT, mindfulness, and strength-based problem solving may find her approach practical and direct.
Sheet 2
Online work with CBT, mindfulness, and strengths
Michelle uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thought patterns. CBT sessions include identifying thoughts, testing them, and practicing alternative responses to reduce anxiety or improve mood. Mindfulness practices, drawn from a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course, teach simple breathing and attention exercises to manage stress and increase present-moment focus.She also uses a strengths perspective to identify existing skills and apply them to current problems. Figuring out which approach fits best is a collaborative process. The therapist will listen, discuss options, and adjust methods based on the person's needs and goals.
The original biography does not list specific session formats for remote work, so confirm current session options before booking. Online care can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. These practical benefits can help people maintain consistent sessions while they work on symptom management, coping after loss, or relationship concerns.
Sheet 3
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
New Jersey
Languages
English
Sheet 4
Frequently asked questions
What issues does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression and bipolar concerns, eating and addiction issues, relationship and intimacy problems, trauma and grief, sleep and anger, self-esteem and career concerns.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness practices from a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course, and a strengths perspective. Sessions focus on listening, clarifying the problem, and teaching practical skills.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 12 years of professional experience, including work in healthcare settings and private practice since 2007.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New Jersey and practices from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions billed?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to meet with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.