
Michelle Pliska
Compassionate counseling for life changes
Start with Michelle PliskaLicensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime


Compassionate counseling for life changes
Start with Michelle PliskaLicensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Reaching out for help takes courage, and Michelle Pliska welcomes the opportunity to be trusted with a person’s story. Whether someone is dealing with depression, life stressors, or simply needs a compassionate listener, she approaches each client with respect and care.
Michelle is a licensed clinician with 18 years of professional experience. She holds a South Dakota LPC-MH (LPC-MH30739), a license for mental health counseling in South Dakota, and a California LPCC (17521), a licensed professional clinical counselor credential in California.
Her clinical background includes work in clinical mental health settings and in educational environments, including middle schools, high schools, and college. She also has experience with juvenile justice systems. Michelle has helped clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQ+ related concerns, grief and loss, depression, and related challenges.
She offers traditional talk therapy and is registered as a play therapist. Sessions can incorporate music, art, or other creative expressions when those approaches support healing and growth.
Michelle aims to provide a supportive environment focused on growth and healing. Clients can expect unconditional positive regard, attention to safety, and professional confidentiality as they work together to move life in the direction they want to go.
Many people wonder whether online therapy can truly help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating life changes, online therapy has been shown to be as effective as traditional in-person sessions for most people.
One of the main benefits is flexibility. Clients can connect with a therapist in the format that fits their life best - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This variety makes it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and to choose the communication style that feels most comfortable.
All therapists are licensed professionals, and clients have the option to switch therapists at any time if they need a different fit. Online therapy can offer an accessible way to receive professional support while maintaining the same standards of clinical care as in-person counseling.