- Goal oriented
- Skills focused
- Strengths based
About Michelle
Michelle Gossard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Iowa with 15 years of experience. She listens first and helps people name what feels off. Her goal is to help clients notice strengths and learn skills to manage thoughts, feelings, and reactions.
Michelle aims to make each session a calm place to talk through stress, anxiety, anger, relationships, and grief. She also supports people facing parenting strain, career questions, and concerns tied to life stages. Panic disorder and panic attacks are among the issues she lists as a focus.
Her work draws on client-centered principles, which means the client’s experience guides the process. She uses practical Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help shift unhelpful thinking patterns. Solution-Focused Therapy is used to identify small, immediate steps that move a person forward.
Michelle has clinical experience in both civilian and military settings and understands how life transitions and role demands can affect mood and functioning. She emphasizes accountability and building everyday skills that fit a person’s life. Sessions typically include clear, teachable tools and short-term goals alongside space to process heavier topics.
People who want straightforward strategies and a conversational, strengths-based approach may find her style helpful. If questions remain about how she works or session options, readers are encouraged to use the Start Therapy process to learn more and schedule a match.
How her approaches shape online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the client’s own perspective and priorities. It means the therapist listens closely and follows the client’s lead, making space for what feels most important in each session.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks down patterns of thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. It teaches practical tools to reframe thinking, manage anxiety symptoms, and change small behaviors that make daily life easier.
Solution-Focused Therapy looks for immediate, workable steps. Sessions often identify one or two small changes that create momentum toward a client’s goals.
Choosing the best approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with the client to decide which methods fit their needs and goals. That collaborative choice can shift over time as priorities change.
Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life. It may reduce travel time and allow scheduling around work, school, or family responsibilities. If you want to confirm which session formats are offered, check the booking details before you schedule. Many people find that regular short sessions and practical homework between meetings help keep progress moving forward.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, low self-esteem, grief, parenting challenges, career concerns, and ADHD. Panic disorder and panic attacks are also listed among her focus areas.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is conversational and practical. She blends client-centered listening with CBT tools and solution-focused steps to create short-term goals and teachable skills.
What kind of background does she have?
She has 15 years of experience working in clinical and military settings and is a military spouse and parent, which informs her understanding of life transitions and role stress.
Where is she based and what credential does she hold?
She is based in Iowa and holds the LMHC credential. The listing notes an IA LMHC credential for her practice location.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.