- Client-centered approach
- Skills-focused work
- Values-based change
About Michelle
Michelle Pennella is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York. She has four years of clinical experience helping people facing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and mood concerns. Michelle focuses on practical steps that fit day-to-day life and on building a stronger sense of self and purpose.
She creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can talk through painful memories and current struggles. Sessions emphasize learning coping skills, noticing unhelpful patterns, and trying small changes that make life easier. Michelle often supports people working through loneliness, intrusive thoughts, and relationship strain.
Her work draws on several evidence-based approaches, including Client-Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and mindfulness skills. She uses these tools to help people increase resilience and act on values that matter to them. The aim is to move from survival to more intentional living.
Michelle tailors each plan to the person in front of her. She practices collaboration and keeps recommendations concrete and manageable. People who want straightforward strategies and steady support may find her style helpful.
She sees adults navigating life transitions, early career stress, parenting pressures, burnout, and midlife questions. Michelle helps clients build insight and practical skills to handle hard moments and pursue meaningful goals.
How therapeutic approaches guide online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's experience without judgment. It helps people feel heard and supported while they find their own solutions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, emphasizes noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck and choosing actions that match personal values; it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and ongoing mood challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and teaches practical strategies to shift unhelpful patterns and reduce distress.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences, and together they will try methods that fit the individual's needs. That collaboration helps shape what skills and exercises are introduced in sessions.
Confirm the specific session options before booking because formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make attending therapy easier by fitting into work breaks, reducing travel time, and allowing regular check-ins from wherever you are. Some people prefer shorter check-ins to stay on track, while others use longer sessions for deeper work; Michelle can help decide what rhythm fits your life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michelle typically address?
She works with depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, bipolar disorder, and related mood concerns listed in her specialties.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and practical, focusing on coping skills, self-understanding, and small changes that fit daily life.
What is her professional background?
Michelle has four years of clinical experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor working with adults on mood, stress, and life transition issues.
Where is Michelle based and licensed?
She is based in New York and holds a New York LMHC credential.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the 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.