Michelle Lehto Flores

Michelle Lehto Flores is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who supports people coping with addictions, anger, low self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and depression. She brings nine years of clinical experience and a practical, empathetic style to sessions. Michelle speaks English and practices in Illinois. Her work is rooted in lived experience and a desire to make help accessible. She uses clear, practical tools so clients can notice progress between sessions. Conversations are collaborative and nonjudgmental, with an emphasis on building coping skills and small, achievable changes. Michelle blends several evidence-based techniques to tailor care to each person. She commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also applies solution-focused methods to set concrete goals and mindfulness practices to improve emotional regulation. Clients often come for help with complex, overlapping issues. Michelle addresses mood disorders, substance use concerns, and co-occurring problems like isolation, family strain, and financial stress. She also supports people dealing with immigration-related stress, forgiveness, guilt, paranoia, and the challenges of blended family dynamics. Her background includes a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Michelle aims to meet people where they are, honor their strengths, and work together toward clearer direction and greater resilience.

Approaches that guide online work and practical benefits

Michelle commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot the thoughts and habits that keep problems going, then try small behavior changes to test new ways of coping. This approach is often helpful for mood disorders, anxiety, and patterns linked to substance use.

She also uses solution-focused techniques that narrow attention to concrete goals and next steps. These methods help when someone wants quick, actionable changes like improving communication or managing cravings. Mindfulness practices are offered as another tool to steady attention and manage strong emotions. Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work with each person to choose methods that suit their goals, needs, and preferences. That collaboration includes checking in and adjusting the plan when something is not working. Confirm the session formats available before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, since it may remove travel time and allow appointments during work breaks or from different locations. It can also support shorter check-ins when someone needs quick guidance without a full in-person visit.