Michelle Gossard , LMHC

Michelle Gossard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Iowa with more than 15 years of experience in clinical and military settings. As an LMHC she has professional training to assess and treat a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns, and she draws on that background when supporting people through stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, anger, grief, and self-esteem issues.

She aims to create a respectful, client-centered space where individuals can tell their story and explore what feels out of balance. Michelle treats each person as the expert on their own life and focuses on helping clients recognize existing strengths while learning practical ways to manage thoughts, emotions, and reactions. She emphasizes accountability and skill-building so clients can better meet everyday demands and long-term goals.

Her work has included support for depression, panic and anxiety, pre- and post-deployment adjustments, anger management, and negative self-talk. Michelle combines cognitive behavioral techniques, solution-focused strategies, and client-centered principles to tailor care to each person. As a military spouse and a mother of four active children, she brings lived experience alongside clinical training to her therapeutic perspective.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Michelle uses a combination of client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused methods to support online clients. Client-Centered Therapy centers the client's perspective and emphasizes empathy and collaboration, helping people feel heard while they explore goals and values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical tools for anxiety, stress, and mood concerns. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on small, achievable changes and builds on existing strengths to move clients toward clear, short-term goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Michelle works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors interventions and adjusts strategies over time so the work matches what the client finds most helpful.

Online therapy with Michelle is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules and different communication styles. These options make it easier to access consistent support from a licensed professional while balancing family, work, and other commitments.