Michelle Wincell OLeary, LICSW - Therapist in Minnesota

About Michelle

Michelle Wincell OLeary is a licensed independent clinical social worker in Minnesota who helps people manage stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, parenting challenges, workplace struggles, and career transitions. She brings 28 years of professional experience and blends coaching with therapy to support practical change. Michelle emphasizes starting where a person is and working at a pace that feels doable.

She uses straightforward tools like mindfulness and self-care practices to reduce overwhelm.

Background and approach

Sessions often include skills for coping with life changes, restoring energy after compassion fatigue, and improving communication. Michelle also brings attention to deeper patterns that can shape feelings about self and relationships. Her style is warm and attuned.

She aims to create a nonjudgmental space where people can speak openly about their values, beliefs, and what matters to them. Michelle says she follows the client’s lead while offering guidance, coaching, and reflective feedback. Because she lives and practices in Minnesota, she is familiar with community concerns and recent local events that have affected residents.

Michelle has worked with teams and groups through crisis and focuses on building resilience, adaptability, and compassion in everyday life. People interested in practical change will find a mix of short-term, solution-focused work and deeper exploration. Michelle uses motivational interviewing and psychodynamic ideas alongside client-centered care to help people find clarity and take next steps toward the life they want.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening without judgment and helping people identify their own goals; it is useful for building confidence and discussing values. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce stress and to respond more calmly to difficult emotions. Motivational Interviewing helps clarify what matters to a person and supports small, achievable steps toward change, which can be useful for career shifts, self-care, or habit changes.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Michelle will work with each person to decide which methods fit best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. That decision is collaborative and may shift over time as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy schedules and varied needs. Video calls allow face-to-face connection when that feels important. Phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging provide shorter or more frequent contact for check-ins, coaching, or ongoing support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into everyday life while working toward concrete changes and emotional relief.

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.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

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 Michelle help with?

She supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, compassion fatigue, grief, relationship issues, career and workplace problems, self-esteem and related concerns like guilt, shame, and isolation.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her approach is warm and client-centered, focusing on listening, coaching, and practical skills. She aims to follow the client’s lead while offering tools and feedback to make change.

What is her professional background?

Michelle has 28 years of professional experience working in clinical and coaching roles. She has supported individuals, teams, and communities through transitions and crisis.

What credentials does she hold and where is she located?

She is a LICSW with Minnesota LICSW number 12249 and practices in Minnesota.

Which languages are used in sessions and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

What formats are available for sessions?

Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How does the cost of sessions work?

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

How do I begin working with Michelle?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Self esteem
Career difficulties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 28 years
Licensed: Minnesota
Languages: English

Next step

Talk to Michelle

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