- Client-centered approach
- Skill-based strategies
- 15 years experience
About Michelle
Michelle Gossard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Iowa with 15 years of experience. She listens first and helps people sort out what feels overwhelming. Her style is straightforward and caring, aimed at helping people take practical steps forward.
Michelle works from the idea that each person knows themselves best. She creates a calm space to share what is happening and to notice strengths you may be overlooking. She also teaches simple skills to manage thoughts, feelings, and reactions so daily life feels more manageable.
Her work often focuses on stress, anxiety, anger, grief, low self-esteem, and relationship concerns. Michelle also supports people dealing with parenting stress, career questions, and ADHD-related challenges. Additional areas she addresses include midlife concerns, postpartum mood changes, social anxiety, and life-purpose questions.
She uses Client-Centered Therapy alongside cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approaches. That means sessions balance listening with practical strategies and short-term goal work. Michelle aims to help people be more accountable to themselves so they can better handle recurring challenges.
Michelle brings experience from clinical and military settings and understands the strain that life transitions can cause. Her approach is down-to-earth and goal oriented, with an emphasis on real-world tools people can use between sessions.
How these approaches guide online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting relationship, helping people feel heard while they sort out what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thought and behavior and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful routines; it often helps with anxiety, panic, and low mood. Solution-Focused Therapy centers on identifying small, concrete steps and goals that can lead to quick, useful changes.Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Michelle will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their needs and goals. Sessions can blend listening, skill teaching, and short-term goal work so treatment matches what the person wants to accomplish.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It also makes consistent meetings possible during life transitions or when childcare needs are a factor. Discuss format preferences during the matching process to find an arrangement that works with everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michelle commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, anger, grief, low self-esteem, and relationship concerns, plus parenting, career issues, and ADHD-related challenges.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is listening-focused and practical. Sessions combine a client-centered stance with skill teaching and solution-focused goal work.
What is her background and experience?
Michelle has 15 years of experience working in clinical and military settings and draws on that background in her work with clients.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Iowa and uses the credential LMHC in her listing.
Which languages are supported and can international clients book?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified here; please confirm the current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.