I am an MSW,LCSW that has spent most of my career in the healthcare field. In that setting I have learned a lot of crisis intervention skills and adjustment problem coping skills as people generally go through a period of crisis while trying to adjust to a new illness and all that can go along with that. I have also been in private practice since 2007 and the bulk of my patients suffer with anxiety disorders (panic attacks, social anxiety, phobias, etc.); Depression/Bipolar disorder; Eating disorders; Relationship struggles; Anger, OCD and couples counseling.
I have a Masters in Social Work and a clinical license in Social Work which allows me to be in private practice. I also have gone through a lot of training on Mindfulness (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course) where I have learned how to practice mindfulness and meditation to name a few. It is a very powerful coping tool but not everyone is open to it. Therefore I am use CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) along with a Strengths Perspective. Using the CBT allows us to understand how our thoughts affect how we feel and then how we behave, which can also be enlightening. The Strengths Perspective gets us in touch with a person's strengths, because regardless of what we are dealing with we all have strengths and using them to build upon in the spirit of solving the problem @ hand. Sometimes we arent even aware of the skills we already have or how to use them to help ourselves in our current state. My approach can also be a combination of what is listed above but the most important way to help someone is to listen and then be able to understand/diagnose the problem clearly because we cant solve a problem without knowing what it truly is.
I believe we all have the ability to embrace change when we are ready and truly enjoy helping people along that journey!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression
NJ LCSW 44SC05295300
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Michelle Castellani. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Michelle is great because she’s pragmatic, “real world”, and definitely a relatable human being
Written on May 18, 2022 after therapy with Michelle for 4 years and 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, and anger management
Michelle is amazing! She’s a great listener but she not only listens but she gives good solid advice. She also checks in during the week to see how I’m doing which is extremely personal and very appreciated. I’ve used her for relationship advice and I highly suggest if that is your main issue to contact Michelle she’s wonderful
Written on Jun 28, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
Having Michelle as my counselor has been so great. She is such a positive influence on me. Helps me in everything problem I throw at her. She listens fully and her answers are thoughtful and easy to understand. I don’t feel judged at all. She was the first luck given to me and I haven’t needed a reason to change. I instantly clicked with her and felt comfortable. She’s truly amazing. Her years of experience show every time we talk. Best decision I made was joining BetterHelp and sticking with Michelle.
Written on Jun 18, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
Michelle is a great listener and she really helps you put things into perspective.
Written on May 18, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I was very unsure how I would feel about talking to a stranger about my feelings, but she has helped me. I feel comfortable now. She is very down to earth and I appreciate her.
Written on May 06, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Absolutely fantastic. I was going through an incredibly difficult time in my life and I definitely overburdened her. She responded by giving me zero pressure and assuring me there was a way to work things out. I appreciate all the help she provided me.
Written on May 06, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 years and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and anger management