Michelle Wincell OLeary , LICSW

Michelle Wincell OLeary is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Minnesota with 28 years of professional experience. She supports people facing anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, career challenges, relationship concerns, grief, parenting pressures, compassion fatigue, and the many transitions life brings. Michelle also works with issues such as abandonment, communication problems, guilt and shame, isolation and loneliness, life purpose, phobias, self-love, social anxiety, and workplace difficulties, and she offers coaching for personal and professional growth.

As a transformation guide, Michelle blends practical self-care and meditation practices with inner discovery to help clients build the life they want. She creates an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be shared and where cultural, ethnic, religious, spiritual, and personal values are respected. Her approach honors each person’s unique experience and supports growth at the client’s own pace.

Having lived and worked in Minnesota, Michelle is attuned to the importance of community and has experience supporting individuals, teams, and communities during crisis. She emphasizes resilience, empowerment, adaptability, and compassion while following the client’s lead to inspire insight and change. Michelle’s work combines therapy, coaching, and supportive guidance to help clients learn, grow, and transform in the places they are focused.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Michelle

Michelle draws from client-centered therapy to create a collaborative, respectful environment where the client’s goals and values guide the work. This approach focuses on listening, empathy, and supporting each person’s own insights, which is helpful for building self-esteem, managing relationship concerns, and navigating life changes.

She also integrates mindfulness therapy, introducing practices that help people become more aware of present-moment experience and manage stress and anxiety through focused attention and acceptance. Mindfulness techniques can be useful for coping with overwhelm, compassion fatigue, and emotional regulation.

Motivational interviewing is another tool Michelle uses to strengthen motivation for change by exploring ambivalence and supporting clients in identifying personally meaningful steps. This approach is practical for career shifts, behavioral change, and building confidence.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Michelle works collaboratively to determine what fits best based on a client’s needs, goals, and preferences. She partners with clients to try methods, adjust strategies, and prioritize what feels most helpful.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and other commitments, and allow therapists and licensed professionals to offer consistent support across different circumstances.