Michelle Pellin , LMHC, LPC

Michelle Pellin is a licensed mental health counselor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, self-esteem, depression, and major life changes. She also supports clients facing addiction, grief, trauma, intimacy concerns, and issues related to LGBT identity and ADHD. Michelle works in a direct, compassionate way and aims to help people find more peace in daily life.

She holds two master's degrees - one in Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology and another in Human Services and Counseling. Michelle has 11 years of clinical experience and additional background as a therapeutic foster parent for almost 20 years. In that role she worked with emotionally and mentally disabled teens and adopted two of those young people.

Before focusing on counseling she spent seven years as a case manager advocating for clients with acquired brain injury, physical challenges, and older adults. That work shaped her practical, rights-focused approach to care. She brings lived experience and long-term caregiving perspective to conversations about stress, caregiver strain, and chronic illness.

In sessions she listens without judgment and offers gentle guidance when useful. She describes therapy as collaborative - clients set goals and choose the pace. Michelle encourages finding strengths in daily routines, improving coping skills, and making space for small, meaningful changes.

Her style blends mindfulness, acceptance, and practical strategies to help people move forward. She welcomes clients who want a grounded, hopeful approach to healing and growth.

Approaches that translate well to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It teaches values-based action so someone can make changes that matter even when emotions are strong. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses practical exercises to reduce anxiety, depression, and unwanted behaviors. Client-Centered Therapy centers the client's experience, using active listening and empathy so clients feel heard and can set their own direction.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before. Together they will try practices and adjust the plan based on what feels most useful and sustainable for the client.

Online sessions offer flexibility and multiple ways to stay connected. Video calls allow face-to-face work when visual cues matter. Phone sessions work when lower bandwidth or hands-free time is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for shorter check-ins, coaching-style support, or when someone prefers writing over speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, or travel while still using ACT, CBT, or client-centered techniques in a meaningful way.