Michele La Ponte Downey, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Michele La Ponte!

My approach is eclectic, based on what my client needs. It is a Cognitive Therapy style with a 12-step approach. I specialize in families affected by addictions and mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress. I also have a toy poodle who is my therapoodle and associate. He's amazing!!

My focus

Primarily, families and individuals affected by addictions and mood disorders.

My approach

I have many skills in my approach, although it reflects on who my client is and what he/she needs. Primarily Cognitive Therapy, Family therapy with a 12-step approach.

My communication style

I created a 'GATE' to assist with learning and teaching communication. It is an actual tool with all the communication people will need in their lives. I make people laugh also because we have to do that in order to remain and stay healthy.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have had a wonderful journey with many wonderful therapists, and I wanted to impart some of that wisdom, comfort, security, and love that I experienced for you.

My goals for you

I do the assessment, and after that, we review the results and WE decide what we will work on. Everyone has their own individual blueprint that I try to discover and follow.

Our first session

Getting to know each other and feeling comfortable should be our first session. You can ask as many questions as you want to feel comfortable and heard.

I identify as...

Female
Black or African American, Caucasian or White
Christian

Expertise

Specialties

Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

+ 16 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Behavioral Activation

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Reality Therapy

+ 4 more

Focus populations

Body Positivity

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

Single Mother

+ 3 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

TRICARE West (TriWest Healthcare Alliance)
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 55 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Science (MS) in Counseling from University of New Mexico.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Michele La Ponte Downey