Michelle Zehner

LCSW, LCSW-C

Pennsylvania

Compassionate, goal-focused social worker

Continue with Michelle

At a glance

Credentials

LCSW, LCSW-C

License

LCSW-C, Maryland / 23541; LCSW, Pennsylvania / CW023508

NPI

1245973395

Experience

4 years

Languages

English

Location

Pennsylvania

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

1. • Motivational support
   • Trauma-informed care
   • Client-centered style

   About Michelle

   Michelle Zehner is a licensed social worker who provides practical support for people facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. She holds LCSW and LCSW-C credentials and practices in Pennsylvania. Michelle focuses on helping people find motivation, build self-esteem, and manage stress in everyday life.

   She takes a straightforward, client-centered approach that makes space for each person's story. Sessions are conversational and focused on what matters to the individual. Michelle aims to create an open environment where feelings and thoughts can be shared without judgment.

   Michelle also incorporates Motivational Interviewing to help people clarify their goals and strengthen their own reasons for change. For people impacted by traumatic events, she uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, as one option to address trauma symptoms.

   With four years of professional experience, Michelle supports people working through grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, addictions, and burnout or compassion fatigue. She also helps with specific issues like body image, hoarding, money stress, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and the effects of abuse or assault.

   Starting therapy involves a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a time to meet. Michelle works collaboratively to tailor sessions to a person's needs and goals, focusing on realistic steps and achievable changes.

2. How Michelle Uses Approaches in Online Therapy

   Michelle combines client-centered work with Motivational Interviewing and EMDR to meet different needs. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and helping people name their own goals and values. It is useful for addressing stress, low self-esteem, and relationship concerns.
   
   Motivational Interviewing helps people resolve mixed feelings about change by highlighting their own reasons and strengths. It can be helpful when someone is trying to find motivation for behavior change or to tackle addictions and life transitions. EMDR is used as a trauma-focused option that works with memories and bodily responses related to traumatic events and may help reduce the intensity of those memories.
   
   Finding the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will work with each person to pick methods that fit their goals, comfort level, and what they want to accomplish. That choice can evolve as work progresses, and sessions can shift focus when priorities change.
   
   Confirm the current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, require less travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules demand it. It also makes it possible to continue consistent sessions while managing work, school, or caregiving responsibilities.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

   Also works with

   AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigue

   Additional focus areas

   AbandonmentBody imageCommunication problemsDomestic violenceHoardingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessMoney and financial issuesObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPost-traumatic stressSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

   Therapeutic approaches

   Client-Centered TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Motivational Interviewing

   Experience

   4+ years

   Listed in

   Maryland, Pennsylvania

   Languages

   English

5. Frequently asked questions

   What concerns does Michelle help with?

   She addresses a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, grief, bipolar concerns, and compassion fatigue. Additional focus areas include body image, hoarding, money problems, OCD, and sexual assault recovery.

   How would you describe her therapeutic style?

   Michelle uses a client-centered approach that keeps conversations focused on the person's priorities. She also uses Motivational Interviewing to build motivation and EMDR as an option for trauma work.

   What is her background and experience?

   She has four years of professional experience working with people on stress, trauma, motivation, and mood concerns. Her work emphasizes practical steps and collaborative goal-setting.

   Which credentials and location apply to her practice?

   Michelle holds LCSW and LCSW-C credentials and practices in Pennsylvania.

   Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?

   Sessions are offered in English.

   Are international clients accepted?

   She does not accept international clients at this time.

   How is cost handled for sessions?

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

   What should I do to begin working with her?

   Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist 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

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