Michelle Bialon-Choy, LCSW, PPSC

Life throws a lot at us and finding a therapist you really connect with can make all the difference. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them get unstuck and moving again towards their goals. I specialize in couples counseling, parenting support, anxiety relief and navigating difficult life transitions. I understand how much courage it takes to begin therapy, and when you feel ready, I’d be honored to offer a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported. My approach is warm, direct, and rooted in deep compassion. I draw from a range of effective, evidence-based therapies that are practical and grounded in real results. I'm trained in the Gottman Method for couples counseling and hold a certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety Treatment. I incorporate approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strength-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based practices, depending on each person’s unique situation. At the heart of my work is a commitment to empowering you to build the life you want. Together, we’ll identify what’s getting in the way and develop strategies to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. At our core, we all want to feel understood, respected, and loved. But relationships—with ourselves or others—can sometimes feel complicated and overwhelming. I help individuals, couples, and families navigate those challenges, strengthen connection, and improve communication. I support parents who are feeling exhausted and frustrated to reconnect with their kids in a more present, intentional way. I also work with people who are struggling with anxiety or facing tough life transitions. Together, we will create a plan for growth that feels both supportive and sustainable. We will go at your pace and respect your innate wisdom. My style is compassionate, down-to-earth, and grounded in respect. I offer a judgment-free space where you can feel safe being yourself. Building genuine relationships enables us to work collaboratively and focus on deeply personalized treatment. You can expect me to be open, honest and empathic. I'm here to support you. I was drawn to the field of therapy through a strong interest in human resilience and a desire to support others during life’s most difficult moments. My graduate training at UCLA included work with teen couples navigating parenting while still in high school and supporting newly diagnosed HIV+ clients and couples. After graduate school, I worked as a school counselor and at a non-profit clinic seeing individuals, couples and families dealing with everything from grief, parenting, anxiety, chronic pain, pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, self-esteem, trauma, and infertility. These diverse experiences deepened my understanding of the healing process and affirmed my commitment to helping others heal and grow through therapy. In our first session, we’ll just start getting to know each other. We’ll talk about what you hope to gain from therapy and what’s been going on for you. It’s common to feel a bit anxious or unsure before starting—please know that’s completely normal. We’ll take it slow, and I’ll be right there with you to help make things feel as comfortable and clear as possible. If you believe we could be a good match, please reach out for a free 15-minute phone call consultation. I offer sessions online and am licensed to work with clients throughout the state of California.