Michelle Zehner , LCSW, MD, LCSW-C

Michelle Zehner is a licensed clinical social worker with four years of professional experience who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, motivation, and depression. She integrates evidence-based methods such as EMDR to support recovery from traumatic experiences and to reduce the hold of painful memories.

She aims to build an open, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship where thoughts and feelings can be explored honestly. Her approach emphasizes listening and collaboration, helping clients identify strengths and practical steps toward greater confidence and resilience. Michelle works with individuals facing a range of life challenges, including relationship and family concerns, grief, addiction-related issues, and the emotional impacts of major life transitions.

Her credentials include LCSW and LCSW-C, which indicate licensure as a clinical social worker, and MD is also listed among her credentials. Michelle acknowledges that beginning therapy can take courage and she seeks to support each person with respect and steady guidance as they take that first step.

Approaches That Translate Well to Online Therapy

Michelle Zehner uses client-centered therapy, EMDR, and motivational interviewing to guide online work in ways that feel practical and supportive. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy and collaboration - the therapist mirrors and clarifies a client’s concerns to build trust and help people discover their own solutions, which suits issues like low self-esteem, relationship struggles, and adjustment to life changes.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused approach that helps lessen the intensity of distressing memories and the emotional charge attached to them, often used for post-traumatic stress, sexual assault, and abuse-related symptoms. Motivational interviewing is a short-term, goal-oriented method that strengthens motivation for change and is helpful for challenges such as addictions, ambivalence about treatment, or making difficult life changes.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy; Michelle works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Many licensed professionals adapt techniques as therapy progresses to best support the client.

Online therapy formats - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to access care from home or while traveling. These options can help people maintain continuity of care and integrate therapeutic work into busy lives.