Michelle Wincell OLeary, LICSW

Michelle Wincell OLeary is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Minnesota with 28 years of professional experience. She works with individuals facing stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and confidence challenges, career difficulties, and major life transitions, and brings extensive experience in personal, executive, and professional coaching. Michelle also focuses on compassion fatigue, wellbeing, consciousness, and spirituality, and integrates practices such as self-care, meditation, and inner discovery to support clients in shaping the life they want.

She builds therapeutic relationships by creating an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored and honored. Michelle respects each person s cultural, ethnic, religious, spiritual, and other personal values, and she intentionally holds space for each individual s unique journey. Having grown up in and living in Minnesota, she is familiar with the communities she serves and acknowledges the impact of recent local events on residents. Michelle has worked with people, teams, and communities during crisis and draws on strengths such as empowerment, adaptability, and compassion when supporting resilience.

Beginning therapy is a courageous step, and Michelle follows the client s lead while encouraging self-discovery and growth. She serves as a guide, supporter, coach, and therapeutic ally, offering opportunities to learn, transform, and move forward from where clients are now.

Approaches to Growth and Support in Online Therapy

Michelle practices client-centered therapy, which emphasizes the client s own experience and goals. In this approach the therapist listens carefully, reflects what is shared, and supports clients in building confidence, clearer self-understanding, and healthier relationships. Mindfulness therapy is another frequent element of Michelle s work and involves simple attention and breathing practices, present-moment awareness, and techniques to manage stress, anxiety, compassion fatigue, and emotional overwhelm. Motivational interviewing is used when clients face ambivalence about change; it focuses on drawing out personal motivations and strengthening commitment to steps that align with values and goals.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Michelle works collaboratively to identify what fits best for each person. She considers a client s needs, goals, and preferences and adapts methods over time so therapy remains practical and relevant.

Online therapy with Michelle is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexible access to licensed professionals and therapists. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and connect from familiar surroundings while working toward meaningful change.