ChangeAtYourPace.org Need help now?

Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Michele "Shelly" Virva

Michele "Shelly" Virva

LMSW

Michigan

Helping people find motivation and practical change

Continue with Michele

At a glance

Credentials
LMSW
License
LMSW, Michigan / 6801081709
Experience
20 years
Languages
English
Location
Michigan

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational focus
    • Strengths based
    • Skill building

    About Michele

    Michele "Shelly" Virva is a licensed social worker in Michigan with 20 years of experience. She centers sessions on the person in front of her and treats each client as the expert on their own life. Shelly aims to support people who are ready to take steps toward change and build on the strengths they already have.

    She commonly helps people managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and substance use concerns. She also focuses on issues such as attachment, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, workplace challenges, and pregnancy and childbirth. Shelly pays attention to how life transitions, grief, and relationship shifts affect day-to-day functioning.

    Shelly uses a mix of approaches to match what feels most useful. Those include Motivational Interviewing to explore readiness for change, Client-Centered Therapy to follow the client’s lead, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for skills and behavior changes. Mindfulness and solution-focused techniques are also used when they fit the client’s goals.

    In a typical session she listens for strengths, helps clarify goals, and suggests practical steps to try between meetings. Conversations are collaborative and paced to the person’s comfort level. She encourages small experiments and tracks what works and what needs adjusting.

    People who want to start are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule based on the therapist’s availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

  2. How therapeutic approaches guide online work

    Motivational Interviewing is a conversational method that helps people explore their readiness for change. It focuses on drawing out personal reasons for change and resolving mixed feelings about taking steps forward.

    Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes following the person's lead. The therapist reflects what is said and helps people clarify their own goals instead of directing the process.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps identify unhelpful thoughts and habits and replaces them with practical skills and behaviors. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and mood regulation and often includes simple homework between sessions.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to pick the methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That choice can shift over time as progress and challenges become clearer.

    Session logistics should be confirmed before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Online options can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Talk with the therapist about scheduling, pacing, and how to use skills practice between sessions to get the most from therapy.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes

    Additional focus areas

    Attachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionGuilt and shameImpulsivityMidlife crisisMood disordersPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    20+ years

    Listed in

    Michigan

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does this therapist commonly address?

    Shelly works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and addictions. She also helps with caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, workplace issues, and pregnancy and childbirth.

    What is the therapist's style in sessions?

    Sessions are collaborative and person-centered. The therapist listens for strengths and helps people set small, practical goals to test between meetings.

    How much professional experience does the therapist have?

    The therapist has 20 years of professional work experience in behavioral health and social work settings.

    What credentials and location are listed?

    The therapist holds an LMSW credential and practices in Michigan.

    Which languages are supported and can international clients be seen?

    Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

    What session formats are available?

    Session formats are not specified in the biography; please confirm current session options before booking.

    How are fees handled for therapy?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with this therapist?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

Back to all therapists

Michele "Shelly" Virva Continue with Michele