Rev. Michael Abell , LPC

Rev. Michael Abell is an Ordained Minister (Rev), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) practicing in Pennsylvania. He completed an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy in December 2017 after more than a decade of pastoral work, bringing years of hands-on experience from ministry into his clinical practice. As a licensed professional counselor he holds state-level credentialing to provide mental health services, and his national certification reflects a recognized standard of counseling training and ethics.

With a background in pastoral ministry beginning in January 2001, Rev. Abell has worked with individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of concerns including parenting, premarital and marital issues, ADHD, depression, anxiety, gambling and substance addiction, legal or religious conflicts, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, and related struggles. He has supported clients from many walks of life - people of various faith backgrounds and none, straight and LGBTQIA individuals, children, teens, adults, parents, grandparents, and those coping with end-of-life care.

At the center of his approach is the belief that each person is the expert on their own life. He partners with clients to identify strengths, set achievable goals, and translate insights from sessions into real-world change. In that role he serves as supporter, encourager, and teammate, helping clients move from their current situation toward the outcomes they want to achieve.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Rev. Michael Abell draws on client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to guide online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening deeply, validating a person's experience, and helping them access their own strengths to make changes - it is useful for relationship concerns, self-esteem, and life transitions. CBT is a practical, problem-focused approach that explores how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact; it is often applied to anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, and patterns that maintain distress.

These methods are applied collaboratively - Rev. Abell works with each client to identify which approach or combination of approaches best fits their needs, goals, and personal preferences. Together they monitor progress and adjust strategies so therapy remains relevant and actionable.

Online therapy with Rev. Abell can take place by video call, phone session, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or limited local options. These remote formats make regular engagement and practical follow-through more accessible, allowing clients and licensed professionals to work together consistently from different locations.