Michele "Shelly" Virva, LMSW

Michele "Shelly" Virva is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with more than 20 years of professional experience supporting adults through challenging life moments. She focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and coping with life changes, along with related concerns such as attachment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, and workplace difficulties. Her practice also addresses mood disorders, post-traumatic stress, substance use, and a range of women's health topics.

Michele approaches care from a strengths-based perspective, believing that each person is the expert of their own story and brings valuable resources to the therapeutic process. She aims to create a collaborative space where clients can explore options, build skills, and take steps toward a more fulfilling life. Michele emphasizes empowerment and practical coping strategies while honoring the courage it takes to seek change.

As an LMSW - a Licensed Master Social Worker with a master-level social work credential - Michele combines clinical training with extensive hands-on experience to tailor treatment to individual needs. She draws on client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused strategies to address symptoms and support long-term resilience.

Clients in Michigan find in Michele a steady, approachable clinician who values clear communication, individualized care, and partnership in work toward meaningful goals.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care

Michele "Shelly" Virva integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to guide her online work. Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and supporting clients to identify their own goals and solutions, which is helpful for people facing life transitions, relationship issues, or caregiving stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and teaching practical skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

She also uses mindfulness therapy to help clients develop present-moment awareness and stress management techniques that can complement other interventions and support coping with chronic pain or persistent worry. Michele tailors these methods to each person, working collaboratively to determine which approaches feel most useful based on the client’s needs, goals, and preferences.

Online therapy with Michele offers flexibility - sessions are available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - so clients can choose formats that fit their schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support during life changes, and practice new skills between sessions with a licensed professional guiding the process.