Michelle Spencer, LMHC, LPCC

Michelle Spencer is a licensed therapist working in Minnesota. She has 12 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and issues like low self-esteem and motivation. Michelle focuses on practical support and clear steps that can fit into busy lives.

She listens closely and adapts conversations to each person’s needs. Sessions aim to identify patterns that cause distress and build tools to change them. Michelle uses straightforward methods so clients can try new skills between sessions.

Her background includes work across mood disorders, addiction, grief, and workplace-related concerns. She also supports people facing caregiver strain, codependency, and challenges with impulsivity or anger. Michelle brings experience with life transitions, career questions, and finding a clearer sense of purpose.

Her approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Those approaches are used to help people reframe unhelpful thoughts, strengthen coping skills, and increase motivation for change. Michelle tailors the mix to each person rather than following a single script.

Conversations are respectful and direct, with attention to what feels most useful in day-to-day life. She emphasizes small, achievable steps and ongoing problem solving. Michelle supports clients who want practical tools and steady emotional support as they work toward change.

How evidence-based approaches fit into online therapy

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It often includes simple homework, like tracking thoughts or trying new behaviors, and can help with anxiety, depression, and stress.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship. The therapist follows your lead, reflects your concerns, and helps you clarify goals and values so you feel understood and supported.

DBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, teaches practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improved relationships. It can be helpful for strong emotions, impulsivity, and problems with intense stress.

Finding the best approach is part of the work together. Michelle will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and comfort level. That might mean combining CBT skill practice with client-centered conversations and DBT coping tools as needed.

Online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when that feels important. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or when you prefer not to use video. Live chat and text-based messaging provide shorter check-ins, quick coaching, or ongoing support between scheduled sessions. These options give flexibility and let people try different formats to see what helps them progress.