Michelle Olson

Compassionate care with practical, evidence-informed tools

LMSW, LCSW Indiana

Experience: 18 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Michelle

Michelle Olson combines a client-centered stance with practical, skills-based strategies to help people manage stress, anxiety, addiction struggles, low self-esteem, and depression.

Background and approach

As a licensed social worker holding both an LMSW and LCSW, she draws on 18 years of clinical experience to tailor treatment to each person's situation, balancing evidence-informed techniques with empathic listening.

Her work includes addressing compassion fatigue and a range of interpersonal and emotional concerns such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, codependency, communication and control issues, and problems related to family, money, or life purpose.

Michelle integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing to help clients identify patterns, build coping skills, and pursue meaningful change. Clients can expect a collaborative atmosphere where thoughts and feelings are welcomed without judgment.

Michelle emphasizes practical steps and supports people through the courageous process of seeking greater wellbeing, helping them set goals and practice new responses in everyday life.

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care

Michelle commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people recognize and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; CBT focuses on practical exercises and homework that translate well to remote sessions and can help with anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors. She also brings a client-centered orientation that foregrounds empathy, active listening, and collaboration so clients feel heard as they set goals and explore what matters most.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is another approach she uses for teaching emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills; these skills-focused interventions can be practiced between sessions and are suited to a blended online format. Michelle aims to help clients identify which combination of methods best fits their goals, working together to adjust techniques and emphasis as needs and preferences evolve.

Online therapy with video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for people with busy schedules or limited local access to therapists. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice skills in real time, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable while working with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michelle commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, self-esteem issues, depression, and compassion fatigue, and also addresses related themes such as attachment, codependency, family problems, and financial worries.

What therapeutic style does she use in sessions?

Her work blends client-centered care with approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques to match individual needs.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She brings 18 years of professional experience supporting people through emotional and behavioral challenges across a variety of concerns.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

Michelle holds licenses in Michigan and Indiana; her credential details include MI LMSW 6801099212 and IN LCSW 34006638A and she practices from Indiana.

In which language are sessions offered?

Sessions are conducted in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are available for online work?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How is pricing handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; services are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to her availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Self esteem Depression Compassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

18+ years

Licensed

Indiana, Michigan

Languages

English