Laverne Santangelo , LPC

Laverne Santangelo is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Michigan who combines clinical training with coaching and somatic practices to support long-term change. She brings experience from a range of treatment settings - including inpatient care and community mental health - and has worked extensively with individuals and families affected by substance use, severe mental illness, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges. She also draws on her background as a certified Wholistic Life Coach and a yoga teacher, including training in trauma-informed yoga, to offer integrative tools that address emotional, physical, and behavioral patterns.

As a veteran who retired from the Army National Guard after honorable service, she understands military culture and has supported people navigating transitions related to service. Her clinical work has included group facilitation for women, family-focused education about addiction, and individual treatment for mood disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and co-occurring substance use. She emphasizes a person-centered stance, collaborating with people to develop treatment plans that reflect their values and goals.

Santangelo uses evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques and motivational interviewing alongside holistic strategies and life coaching to help clients pursue stability, balance, and wellness. She aims to meet individuals where they are and to support practical steps toward improved coping, healthier relationships, and a clearer sense of purpose.

Approaches and flexibility for online therapeutic care

Laverne Santangelo uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where people guide the goals and pace of their work; this approach helps when someone needs empathy and support to clarify values or rebuild trust in themselves. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is also part of her practice and focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Motivational Interviewing offers a collaborative, strengths-based way to explore ambivalence and build internal motivation for change, which is especially useful for addressing addictions and readiness for new habits.

Finding the right approach is viewed as a collaborative process. She will work with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies over time based on what proves most helpful.

Online sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, giving flexibility for busy schedules, geographic constraints, or different comfort levels with communication. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, attend sessions from wherever is most convenient, and integrate therapeutic tools into everyday life.