Smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a white blouse and gold jewelry outdoors.

Michelle Mangiardi, LPCC
Psychotherapy

Navigating life with compassion

About Me

Smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a white blouse and gold jewelry outdoors.

Hi, I’m a therapist located in downtown Menlo Park, and I’m passionate about walking alongside people as they move through growth, healing, and self-discovery. I work with adults, teens, children, and families, offering a warm, collaborative space where you can feel safe, supported, and truly heard. My approach is rooted in a humanistic, person-centered philosophy and shaped by evidence-based practices that I tailor to meet your unique needs and goals.

I work with clients facing both everyday stressors and more complex emotional challenges, and I believe each person has the capacity for resilience, healing, and meaningful change. My role is to help you reconnect with your strengths, deepen self-understanding, and move through difficult experiences with greater clarity, stability, and self-compassion.

I’ve worked in a variety of settings outside of my work within private practice, including intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and schools, supporting clients through different stages of their mental health journeys. Before becoming a therapist, I spent years working as a litigation paralegal at large law firms. That experience gave me firsthand insight into the intense pressure and high expectations faced by professionals, especially in fast-paced environments like Silicon Valley.

I’m a Bay Area native, born and raised in Fremont, CA, and a proud graduate of Mission San Jose High School. I earned my B.A. in Sociology from UCLA, where I also competed as a Division I athlete on the Women’s Soccer Team. I later completed my Master’s in Education with a focus on Counseling at San Jose State University.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me outdoors jogging, hiking, or spending quality time with my family and friends.

“This work speaks to my heart. It is deeply meaningful and gives me the opportunity to make a genuine difference in people’s lives.”

MICHELLE MANGIARDI

A ceramic vase with a matte finish holds a eucalyptus branch with round, green leaves, placed on a white surface with light streaming in from the right side.

Services

Getting help shouldn’t feel overwhelming. That’s why I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to help you focus on what matters most: your well-being. Schedule your consultation today.

  • Depression ~ Anxiety ~ Stress ~ Grief ~ Trauma and PTSD ~ Mood Disorders ~ ADHD ~ Family Conflict ~ Life Transitions ~ Self Esteem ~ School Issues ~ Peer Relationships ~ Sports Performance ~ Screen Addiction ~ Dual Diagnosis

  • I use a humanistic and compassion-focused approach to therapy.  Some additional evidence-based treatments I utilize are: Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Positive Psychology, Solution Focused Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy.

Values

A butterfly resting on large green leaves in a lush natural environment.

Compassion

I lead with kindness and compassion, creating a space where clients feel understood and supported. It is the foundation for building trust, connection, and meaningful growth.

Peach and cream-colored flowers blooming on green leafy bushes against a muted green background.

Growth

Growth isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for building resilience and adapting to change. I work with clients to navigate challenges, gain insight, and move forward with greater confidence.

Snow-capped mountains at dusk with a clear sky and faint stars.

Perseverance

Change takes courage, especially in the face of challenges. I support clients in recognizing their strength, staying committed to their goals, and moving forward, even when the path feels difficult.

A brown ceramic vase with eucalyptus branches on an open book, set against a white background.

Still have questions?

Reach out!

For all scheduling and questions, please use the contact form below.