Michelle Pliska, LPC-MH, LPCC

Michelle Pliska is a licensed counselor who focuses on stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and coping with life changes. She brings 18 years of experience and a steady presence for people facing difficult transitions, including those navigating midlife challenges. Her approach is warm and direct, and she aims to create a space where clients can speak honestly and be heard.

Michelle practices in South Dakota and has experience in both clinical mental health and educational settings, including middle and high schools and college environments. Her background also includes work related to juvenile justice systems. That range of settings informs how she supports people dealing with workplace strain, caregiver stress, isolation, and relationship wounds such as abandonment or communication problems.

Sessions can include traditional talk therapy and creative methods when helpful. She is registered as a play therapist and sometimes incorporates music, art, or other creative expression to help people access feelings and make change. This can be useful when processing grief, trauma, or feelings of shame and guilt.

Michelle emphasizes an accepting, nonjudgmental atmosphere. She uses straightforward conversation and practical problem-solving to help people identify goals and steps forward. Her intent is to work alongside clients to build self-compassion, clarify values, and restore a sense of direction.

For people worried about money, relationships, or life purpose, she brings steady support and practical options. She also addresses sexuality and LGBT concerns with respect and attention to each person’s story.

Therapeutic approaches that support change online

Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques adapted to each person's needs. One approach she uses is traditional talk therapy, which helps people name problems, practice new ways of thinking, and plan concrete steps to reduce stress or depressive symptoms. Another approach involves creative expression through music or art to access and process emotions that can be hard to put into words; this can be helpful for grief, trauma, and feeling stuck.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. That conversation guides whether sessions lean more toward talking, problem-solving, or hands-on creative methods so the plan fits the person rather than forcing a single method.

Practical benefits of online therapy make it easier to fit care into a busy life, but current session formats are not specified in the biography. Confirm which virtual or in-person options are offered before booking. Online sessions can reduce travel time, allow for shorter check-ins during a workday, and make it easier to keep regular appointments when schedules are tight. Licensed professionals can tailor online work to mix conversation and creative exercises so progress continues even when coming in-person is difficult.