Michelle Gossard , LMHC

Michelle Gossard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Iowa with more than 15 years of experience working in both clinical and military settings. She draws on that background to support adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, anger, low self-esteem, grief, parenting concerns, career transitions, and ADHD, among other life issues. As a military spouse and mother of four active children, she brings practical insight into family dynamics and deployment-related stress.

Her practice emphasizes collaboration and strengths-based work. Michelle creates a respectful space for people to share their stories, identify existing skills, and learn new ways to manage thoughts, emotions, and behavioral reactions. She uses cognitive behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thinking patterns, solution-focused strategies to build practical steps forward, and client-centered principles to ensure the person s goals guide the process.

Michelle also helps clients increase accountability and develop concrete tools to manage recurring challenges, including anger management, negative self-talk, depression, and pre- and post-deployment difficulties. Her approach is practical and goal-oriented, aimed at helping individuals regain balance and improve day-to-day functioning while honoring each person s experience.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Michelle uses client-centered therapy to focus on each person s perspective, offering empathetic listening and support so individuals feel heard and empowered to set their own goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is used to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes practical, short-term strategies and small, achievable steps to move past specific problems and reach immediate goals.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Michelle works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress is made. This collaborative stance helps clients feel involved and invested in their own care.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, which supports busy schedules and varied comfort levels with technology. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access therapy from different locations, and select the communication style that best suits individual needs and daily life.