Michelle McHugh, LICSW, LCSW

Michelle McHugh is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 23 years of experience. She practices in Arkansas and brings practical, straightforward care to people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and related challenges. Michelle uses clear language and a collaborative style so people know what to expect from sessions.

She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside EMDR and mindfulness to help people manage distressing thoughts and feelings. Sessions focus on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, building coping skills, and practicing small changes that make daily life easier. Motivational interviewing is used when people are weighing change or struggling with substance use.

Michelle has worked across inpatient and outpatient settings, including addiction treatment and psychiatric care. She also has lengthy service in the Army National Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer and experience with veterans and active Guard soldiers. That background shapes how she approaches trauma, shame, and codependency concerns.

Her work with LGBT issues, gender dysphoria, grief, relationship problems, sleep difficulties, and mood disorders is grounded in respect and nonjudgmental language. She supports people through major life changes and problems like bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and aging-related concerns.

Therapy sessions can be done by video, phone, chat, or text messaging. People begin by completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a time that fits their needs. Michelle aims to partner with each person to set realistic goals and find practical steps forward.

How CBT, EMDR, and Mindfulness work online

Michelle uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people spot and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT sessions often include clear goals, simple exercises, and homework to practice new skills between meetings. This approach is commonly used for anxiety, depression, sleeping problems, and mood concerns.

She also offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for people coping with trauma and painful memories. EMDR in a session involves focusing on distressing memories while using guided attention techniques to reduce emotional intensity and improve coping. Mindfulness therapy teaches attention and grounding practices that reduce reactivity and help with stress and cravings.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk through symptoms, history, and preferences to decide which methods to try first and how to adapt them. Goals are set together and adjusted as progress is made.

Online sessions can be done by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier during a busy day. Live chat or text messaging provides quick check-ins and brief coaching between sessions. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent while balancing work, family, or travel.