- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Self esteem work
About Michael
Michael Sickels is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Pennsylvania with five years of clinical experience. He helps people who are facing stress, anxiety, grief and loss, low self-esteem, depression, and challenges coping with life changes. Michael focuses on everyday concerns like motivation, confidence, and problems in communication.
He keeps sessions straightforward and practical. Conversations tend to focus on what is happening now, what is getting in the way, and small steps that can be tried between meetings. Michael uses clear language and concrete suggestions so people leave with something they can practice right away.
When grief or loss is present, he helps people make sense of difficult emotions and find ways to manage hard days. For anxiety and social worries he works on skills for handling stressful moments and building confidence in social settings. For low self-esteem and shame he supports people in recognizing patterns that hold them back and testing kinder ways of relating to themselves.
Sessions also cover communication struggles, feelings of isolation, and questions about life purpose or self-love. Michael aims to help people notice small changes that add up over time. He treats each person as an individual and discusses practical options in the early appointments.
People meet him to talk through concrete problems and to build simple routines that support better coping. The first sessions are used to understand priorities and plan steps that fit daily life.
Therapeutic techniques and online sessions
Michael uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on practical skills and clearer thinking. One common approach is skills-based work for anxiety which teaches breathing, grounding, and manageable exposure to feared situations to reduce avoidance. This kind of work can help with social anxiety and worry by breaking problems into small, repeatable steps.Another approach is problem-focused behavioral work for depression and low motivation. That involves identifying daily activities that support mood, setting achievable goals, and tracking small changes to build momentum. For grief he offers space to name losses and to find day-to-day routines that help on difficult days.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will discuss options with each person and choose techniques that fit their goals and preferences. The therapist and client decide together which methods to try and adjust them as progress is observed.
Session formats are not specified in the original biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counseling around work, family, and school by removing travel time and allowing quicker check-ins. They can also let someone join from a quieter space, use audio only when needed, or schedule shorter sessions for a focused topic.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Pennsylvania
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes, plus related issues like communication problems and loneliness.
What is his general approach in sessions?
Sessions emphasize clear, practical conversation and skills you can try between meetings. The focus is on current problems and small steps forward.
How much experience does he have?
He has five years of professional work experience as a counselor.
What credential does he hold and where does he practice?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Pennsylvania and sees clients from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and how much do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin scheduling a first session?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.