Michelle Zehner, LCSW, MD, LCSW-C - Therapist in Pennsylvania

About Michelle

Michelle Zehner is a licensed social worker with four years of clinical experience. She holds LCSW and LCSW-C credentials and practices in Pennsylvania. Michelle focuses on practical support for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and motivation challenges.

She also works with concerns like trauma, relationship strain, and issues related to self-esteem and confidence. Her approach is straightforward and warm. Sessions aim to be a judgment-free place to talk through what feels hard.

Background and approach

She uses EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - when trauma memories are getting in the way. She also draws on client-centered therapy to keep the focus on the person sitting in the room. Michelle leans on motivational interviewing when clients want help finding or strengthening their drive to change.

That helps with things like addiction, coping with life shifts, and building better habits. She pays attention to practical next steps as well as feelings and meaning. Clients can expect clear, calm guidance and an emphasis on collaboration.

Michelle invites questions and works at a pace that matches the client. Conversations cover immediate problems and the small changes that make a daily difference. Her work includes additional focus areas such as abandonment, body image, hoarding, infidelity, OCD-related behaviors, post-traumatic stress, and young adult issues.

Sessions are offered in English and conducted online through various formats.

Approaches for online healing and practical change

Client-centered therapy focuses on the person rather than the problem. The therapist listens closely, reflects what is heard, and helps people find their own solutions. This approach is useful for building self-esteem, sorting through life changes, and improving communication.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a structured method used to reduce the hold of traumatic memories. It guides the mind through targeted processing so painful memories feel less intense and disruptive. This can help when past events keep affecting day-to-day life.

Motivational interviewing is a short-term way to boost a person’s own reasons for change. It looks at ambivalence and helps clients set goals they actually want to follow. This is often used for addictions, lifestyle shifts, or when motivation feels stalled.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Then she will suggest methods to try and adjust them based on how the client responds.

Online therapy offers flexibility and easier access to care. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation from home, phone sessions suit busy schedules, and live chat or text messaging help when progress works better in short exchanges. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a family’s life and maintain continuity between sessions.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

EMDR

A structured protocol used with distressing memories, pairing recall with guided attention tasks. Some therapists adapt it for video sessions; whether that fits is worth asking about directly.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, and motivation issues. Additional focuses include body image, hoarding, infidelity, OCD symptoms, and post-traumatic stress.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is warm and collaborative. She offers a judgment-free space and combines practical steps with emotional support.

What is her professional background?

She has four years of clinical experience as a licensed social worker. Her practice includes work with trauma and motivation-related concerns.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

She practices in Pennsylvania and holds the credentials LCSW and LCSW-C, listed as PA LCSW CW023508 and MD LCSW-C 23541.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can sessions be held online or by phone?

Yes. Sessions can take place by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How is cost handled for therapy sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin therapy?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 4 years
Licensed: Maryland, Pennsylvania
Languages: English

Next step

Talk to Michelle

Takes a few minutes
Nothing to set up just to look
Stop at any point

Book with Michelle