Michelle Granillo

My name is Michelle Granillo and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in La Quinta, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have experience working with adolescents, families, and individuals. I specialize in depression, anxiety, and improving interpersonal relationships by using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to provide my clients with skills to help cope with some of life's stressors.

My approach

My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. All three modalities help me and the client build a shared understanding of their reality, and allow us to work together to chart a path forward.

My focus

I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for teens and young adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and social pressures. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, stress, and self-sabotage. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.

My communication style

My communication style is calm, approachable, and personable with a splash of sarcasm at times. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment.

My journey to mental healthcare

I decided to become a therapist because I have always enjoyed helping others. I have always naturally been drawn to helping people through difficult times and have been told I am easy to talk to. I enjoy seeing individuals become the best versions of themselves.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting with clients is all about working together to define what you want to accomplish in our time together. This often starts by building trust between us and getting comfortable with what it means to be in therapy. Over time, we'll work together to set goals and track your progress.

My first session with you

What you can expect from our first session together is for us to spend the majority of our time talking about how you've been feeling recently, and me asking questions to better understand some of why you may be feeling that way. The first session is about us building an initial connection and helping me get a sense of where we should go from there. Each individual is different, and I like to listen first before assuming I know what will work best for you moving forward.