Michelle Ikeda, LMFT
California LMFT focused on families and relationships
- Bilingual English and Japanese
- Weekend availability
- Family and relationship focus
About Michelle Ikeda
Michelle Ikeda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with four years of experience across social services and healthcare. She brings a practical, person-focused style to work with individuals, couples, and families, helping them navigate differences in priorities, enhance communication, and develop clearer mutual understanding.
Her background includes work with children and families involved in the child welfare system, custody and guardianship matters, and a range of parenting concerns. Michelle has provided intensive case management for caregivers and elderly residents, supporting family members of people with dementia in convalescent facility settings. Those experiences have shaped her interest in family dynamics and in hearing the life stories of older adults.
Michelle is bilingual in English and Japanese and draws on cultural sensitivity shaped by growing up in Japan, where modesty, humility, and attentiveness to others were emphasized. She approaches therapy with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, applying a client-centered orientation that prioritizes each person’s perspective. She also has extensive experience supporting families of children and adults with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Her regular availability is focused on weekends - Friday evening through Sunday - and some holidays, and she can arrange weekday evening appointments for existing clients as needed.
Her background includes work with children and families involved in the child welfare system, custody and guardianship matters, and a range of parenting concerns. Michelle has provided intensive case management for caregivers and elderly residents, supporting family members of people with dementia in convalescent facility settings. Those experiences have shaped her interest in family dynamics and in hearing the life stories of older adults.
Michelle is bilingual in English and Japanese and draws on cultural sensitivity shaped by growing up in Japan, where modesty, humility, and attentiveness to others were emphasized. She approaches therapy with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, applying a client-centered orientation that prioritizes each person’s perspective. She also has extensive experience supporting families of children and adults with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Her regular availability is focused on weekends - Friday evening through Sunday - and some holidays, and she can arrange weekday evening appointments for existing clients as needed.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Michelle Ikeda have?
Michelle Ikeda has four years of professional experience as a therapist.
Is Michelle Ikeda a licensed therapist?
Yes. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT. License details: CA LMFT 135802.
In which languages does Michelle Ikeda provide therapy?
Michelle provides therapy in English and Japanese.
Where is Michelle Ikeda located?
Michelle is located in California.
How can I work with Michelle Ikeda as my therapist?
You can work with Michelle through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Michelle Ikeda work with international clients?
Michelle Ikeda does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Michelle Ikeda cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches for Online Family and Relationship Care
Michelle uses client-centered therapy to create a supportive space where the client’s own goals and experiences guide the work - the therapist listens closely, offers empathy, and helps people explore what matters most to them, which can be especially useful for relationship and family concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and shift patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to anxiety, low mood, or stress; it is practical and skills-oriented, useful for managing daily challenges and improving coping. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative style that helps people clarify their reasons for change and build motivation, which can be helpful for parenting adjustments, caregiver decisions, or moving through life transitions.Finding the right approach is part of the process, and Michelle works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors techniques based on what a client brings to sessions and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.
Online therapy offers flexible options that match Michelle’s schedule and many clients’ needs - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging make it easier to access therapy from different locations and at varied times, including weekends and some evenings. These formats support continuity of care and make it simpler to fit therapy into busy family, work, and caregiving routines.