Michelle Upton, LICSW

Michelle Upton is a LICSW who helps people face stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, and the strain of caregiving. She also supports people dealing with addictions, parenting pressures, career transitions, compassion fatigue, and changes that come with aging or medical challenges. Michelle practices in Massachusetts and offers services in English.

She keeps sessions straightforward and grounded. Michelle listens first, then works with each person to pick practical steps that fit their life. She often blends approaches rather than relying on a single method, and she explains options so people can choose what feels right.

Her usual clinical tools include client-centered work, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior strategies, existential reflection, and mindfulness practices. Michelle uses these methods to help people manage unhelpful thoughts, build coping skills, name values, and reduce daily stressors. She frames therapy as a step-by-step process rather than a quick fix.

Michelle has eight years of experience as a licensed independent clinical social worker. That background includes supporting people through major life changes, caregiving coordination, and collaboration with medical teams when needed. She aims to create a calm, respectful space where hard conversations can happen.

People who choose Michelle can expect clear communication about goals and next steps. She encourages practical homework when it helps, and she adjusts pace according to each person’s needs. To begin, readers should confirm current session options and scheduling details before booking.

How her approaches shape online sessions

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to the person. It helps people feel heard and decide goals that fit their life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It offers practical techniques for lowering anxiety, improving sleep, and changing unhelpful habits. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) brings skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication, which can help with intense emotions and relationship stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michelle will talk with each person about their needs and goals and suggest which methods or combinations may help most. That decision is collaborative and can change as progress is made.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are available. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow for quicker check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can use focused skill practice, breathing and mindfulness exercises, or step-by-step problem solving in remote sessions to help people build coping strategies that translate to daily life.