- Mindfulness practice
- Solution-focused goals
- Motivational interviewing
About Michelle
Michelle Wincell OLeary is a Minnesota LICSW with 28 years of professional experience. She supports people with stress, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, career worries, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, relationship strains, grief, parenting pressures, anger, bipolar and depression. She also focuses on social anxiety and phobia and workplace issues.
Her approach is practical and person-focused. She listens first, then helps people identify small steps that feel manageable. Sessions include conversation, guided reflection, and skills practice such as simple mindfulness and self-care techniques.
Michelle uses a mix of methods to meet different needs. She draws on client-centered therapy to follow what matters most to the person. She also uses solution-focused ideas to set short-term goals and motivational interviewing to support readiness for change.
Her background includes long experience with individual coaching and professional coaching alongside clinical practice. That work informs how she supports career questions and workplace stress. She has also worked with groups and teams during community crises in Minnesota, and she pays attention to how local events affect people’s wellbeing.
In sessions she encourages practical tools for daily life. This can include breath-based mindfulness, ways to manage overwhelming moments, and action steps to rebuild confidence. People who prefer a calm, conversational style that still aims for clear, usable change often find this approach helpful.
How Michelle’s approaches translate to online sessions
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following what matters most to the person. In online sessions this means the therapist aims to reflect concerns clearly and help the person prioritise topics they want to address. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce overwhelm and improve focus; these exercises can be guided during a session and practiced between meetings. Motivational interviewing helps people clarify values and strengthen motivation for change through gentle questioning and planning rather than pressure.Choosing the best approach is part of the work together. Michelle will discuss your goals and preferences and then suggest which methods to try. She adjusts the mix over time based on what helps you make practical progress and what feels workable for you.
Confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also let people try guided mindfulness or step-by-step planning from a familiar setting while keeping meetings focused on real-life problems and solutions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
28+ years
Listed in
Minnesota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, social anxiety and phobia, depression, self-esteem, career and workplace issues, grief, parenting strain, compassion fatigue, and related concerns.
What is her therapy style like?
Sessions are conversational and practical. She listens, reflects, and offers simple tools such as mindfulness and action steps.
How much experience does she have?
She has 28 years of professional experience working in clinical and coaching roles.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds an LICSW and is licensed in Minnesota.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people outside the US work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.