Marisela Cuellar-VanHouten , LMSW

Marisela Cuellar-VanHouten is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan who brings thirty years of professional experience to her broader career, including ten years devoted specifically to providing individual therapy. She has worked with people facing trauma and abuse, issues with motivation, self-esteem and confidence, bipolar disorder, chronic illness and pain, caregiver burnout, dementia, and depression. Marisela approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and she identifies as an LGBTQ+ ally while attending to how culture and background influence the course of treatment.

She adapts conversations and treatment plans to reflect each individual's circumstances and goals, creating a tailored path for change rather than a one-size-fits-all program. Marisela emphasizes the courage it takes to seek a more fulfilling life and aims to support and empower people through those first steps and beyond. As an LMSW, she holds a master-level social work license in Michigan and uses that training to guide collaborative, person-focused care that honors each client’s strengths and needs.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take committed steps toward a more meaningful life. ACT blends acceptance strategies with practical actions and can be useful for managing anxiety, low mood, and difficulty coping with life changes.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship by offering empathy, unconditional positive regard, and active listening. This approach supports clients who need a safe space to explore identity, relationships, and self-esteem while guiding them toward their own solutions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to reframe unhelpful thinking patterns. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns and offers concrete tools clients can apply between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Marisela works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they can try different strategies and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy provides flexible options like video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to schedule appointments around work, family, and daily life. These formats allow licensed professionals and therapists to deliver consistent care, accommodate different communication styles, and help people access support from home or on the go.