Michelle Olson , LMSW, LCSW

Michelle Olson is a licensed social worker in Indiana who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem, depression, and compassion fatigue. She brings 18 years of clinical experience and a calm, straightforward approach. Michelle aims to make starting therapy feel approachable and doable for people unsure about the process.

She centers sessions on the person in front of her, inviting them to share thoughts and feelings without judgment. That client-centered stance means the conversation follows what matters most to the individual. Michelle also uses practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful patterns and try new ways of thinking and acting.

When worries or addictive behavior get in the way of daily life, she works on clear, step-by-step strategies. Dialectical behavior therapy skills and mindfulness practices are used to build emotional regulation and reduce impulsive reactions. Motivational interviewing helps people find internal reasons to change when motivation feels low.

Michelle has guided people through issues like attachment wounds, codependency, communication struggles, control problems, and feelings of emptiness. She also supports those facing financial stress, midlife questions, or difficulty forgiving themselves or others. Her style is practical, compassionate, and focused on small, sustainable changes.

Sessions address immediate concerns and long-term goals. Michelle helps clients set realistic steps, practice new skills between sessions, and track progress over time.

Approaches that guide online sessions and flexible care

Client-centered therapy focuses on the individual’s experience and priorities, giving the person space to lead the conversation while the therapist offers empathy and support. This approach helps when someone needs a listening space to sort feelings and make decisions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact. It uses simple exercises to spot unhelpful thought patterns and test new behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, stress, and low mood.

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions and reducing impulsive reactions. Mindfulness elements within DBT help people notice their experience without acting on every urge.

Finding the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, then tailor sessions and techniques. Clients and therapist check progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging so therapy can fit varied schedules and routines. Video lets people read nonverbal cues and practice skills in real time. Phone sessions work well when lower bandwidth or hands-free conversation is preferred. Live chat and text messaging allow shorter check-ins, quick reflections, or ongoing support between appointments. These options make it easier to keep continuity of care and practice new skills in everyday life.