Book a therapist or psychiatrist in San Luis Obispo, CA covered by Cigna

I can understand first-hand how difficult it can be to reach out for help for the first time. I believe in the importance of "practicing what you preach" and I have been the client in the room who needs extra support. I invite you to give yourself a chance, try something new, and gain a healthy perspective on how to address complicated moments in your life.

In my studies at Antioch, I have specialized in Spiritual and Depth Psychology with CBT, DBT, Humanistic-Existential, Client-Centered, Gestalt Theories, Mindfulness, and based on my past experiences have developed a passion for working with a variety of diverse population from 12 years old children and their families to elder adults. I also took courses on World Religions and Women Role in Religion at CSUN, studied in Rabbinical School (AISH Ha’Torah) in Jerusalem, with Buddhist Guru in Nepal and a Hindu Guru in India with knowledge of Vedic (Vedantic), Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Tradition.

For over 15 years being on spiritual path and self-discovery journey, I became a Spiritual Guide, Reiki Master, and a Minister. Lead Spiritual Retreats and trainings around the world, including, India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, Ukraine. This experience prepared me to work with people from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures.

Worked with a vast variety of symptoms and problems providing needed support to my clients suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem. All of these issues and symptoms have a point to make for us to understand our selves better. Working with adolescents in Residential Treatment Centers, Transitional Youth Living Programs, adult and veterans of all ages, there is one common denominator - if you want your life to be better, we can find your individual path and you might become your own Master. We'll apply, or challenge, your believe system, to make positive changes.

I help my clients resolve their problems, learn coping skills, and set their spiritual and/or religious path. Increasing client's understanding of self and accepting life with all the pluses and minuses, learning from the past without the judgment might be a difficult goal to achieve.

I work in a collaborative process with older teens (15yrs old and above), couples, and individual adults who are motivated to find their inner voice and know their highest selves. My clients are focused on setting boundaries, assertive and effective communication skills, healthy relationships, self-advocacy, and self-efficacy. My clients are willing to reflect on sessions outside of the therapeutic hour, and are receptive to occasional homework. I am here to meet you halfway.

I have over 7 years of experience working with depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, couples, and other severe mental health concerns. My goal is to create a comfortable, safe space where you can begin your therapeutic journey with confidence and without judgment. Together, we can openly explore what you want in—and out of—life. If you don't know what that looks like yet, that's okay. We can figure it out together. Your goals may also change along the way, and therapy should have the flexibility to change with you.

I’m Michele Ellis, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being. With over a decade of experience, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the social, emotional, and psychological challenges people face. My approach is warm, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs—meeting you exactly where you are in your journey. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back, build on your strengths, and create a path toward meaningful, lasting change.

Have you been overwhelmed with trying to navigate through the ways you show up in your relationships with others, making you question your own self-identity? The goal is to help you navigate through these feelings/emotions with self-curiosity and compassion. I want to help hold space for my clients to explore these new tools through self-discovery.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California with a Master’s degree from the University of Southern California. I’ve worked in the mental health field for over a decade and have spent the past eight years providing therapy to adolescents and adults. My work focuses on supporting clients through challenges related to self‐esteem, anxiety, family and peer relationships, body image, depression, academic and work stress, grief and loss, and anger management.

I have been working in private practice for a few years and before that I worked in non-profits with a variety of individuals and groups. I am the parent of two adult sons and have three grandchildren that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. I have an educational background in the study of philosophy, spirituality and counseling psychology. I have experience with helping people with histories of trauma, severe mental illness, as well as, symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience and some expertise with clients struggling with substance use.