Michelle Gossard, LMHC - Therapist in Iowa

About Michelle

Michelle Gossard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Iowa with 15 years of clinical experience. She listens first and helps people name what feels off. Michelle focuses on practical skills to manage thoughts, feelings, and reactions so daily life feels more manageable.

Her approach starts with building a trusting space where clients can tell their story without judgment. She treats each person as the expert on their life and works alongside them to identify strengths and next steps.

Background and approach

Sessions often include learning concrete ways to reduce stress and interrupt negative thinking. Michelle uses methods from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused work, and client-centered care. That means she helps clients notice unhelpful thought patterns, set clear goals, and guide sessions by what the client needs most.

These tools are used to address anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, and related concerns. She has particular experience with parenting stress, grief, career concerns, and ADHD challenges, along with several other life transitions and mood issues. Michelle emphasizes accountability and skill practice between sessions so new habits can take hold.

Sessions are conversational and goal-oriented. Michelle aims to help people feel more steady, make clearer decisions, and handle tough moments with better tools. Parents reading this will find direct, practical guidance focused on making everyday life easier.

Therapeutic approaches for online support

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the client's lead. The therapist offers empathy and reflection so people can clarify their own goals and find their strengths. This approach helps when someone needs a space to sort feelings and make decisions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, panic, and negative self-talk by helping clients try small experiments and learn new habits. Solution-focused therapy zeroes in on concrete goals and quick steps forward, which can be useful for stress, parenting challenges, and career decisions.

Deciding on an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about needs, preferences, and goals, then suggest methods to try together. Plans are adjusted based on what works and what doesn't, so clients stay part of the decision-making.

Online sessions can happen by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives, handle urgent worries, or continue work between appointments. Licensed professionals can use these tools to help clients practice skills, set goals, and track progress over time.

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.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Rather than examining the problem at length, this looks at what is already working and builds on it. Sessions tend to be practical and forward-looking, with small achievable steps, which translates readily to shorter online conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?

She works with stress, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, grief, parenting challenges, career issues, ADHD, and related concerns such as postpartum depression and social anxiety.

What is her general therapy style?

Sessions are conversational and practical, combining client-centered listening with tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused work to set goals and change unhelpful thoughts.

How long has she practiced?

She has 15 years of experience working in clinical settings and brings that experience into each session.

Where is the therapist licensed?

She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the Iowa license number IA LMHC 001182 and practices from Iowa.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as ways to connect.

How are costs and payments handled?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How does someone begin working with her?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Anger management

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 15 years
Licensed: Iowa
Languages: English

Next step

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