Michele Fitzgerald , LPCC

Michele Fitzgerald is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who began her career working with adolescents in substance abuse treatment in the 1980s. She has practiced in diverse settings, including Kodiak, Alaska and Minneapolis, Minnesota, bringing experience from both substance abuse and mental health counseling to adoption work, birth parent counseling, and social work in hospital and long-term care environments.

Over the years Michele has observed and valued the evolution of behavioral health and alcohol and drug counseling as fields that have become more integrated and person-centered. She frames recovery as synonymous with overall wellness and emphasizes the growth of resilience that can come from confronting and overcoming hardship.

Michele approaches her work as a careful listener who sees mistakes as opportunities for learning and change. She is a good match for people seeking a thoughtful, empathetic counselor who honors strength through adversity. She is available for appointments on Thursdays from 4:00 - 8:00 pm.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Michele uses client-centered therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where the client's priorities guide sessions. This approach focuses on understanding each person's experience and helps with issues that benefit from empathy and self-exploration, such as grief, life transitions, and relationship concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, and it often helps with anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching tools for managing symptoms and reshaping responses.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT can be especially useful for clients who struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, or relationship conflicts. Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process - Michele works with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Michele is offered by licensed professionals through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it flexible for different schedules and comfort levels. These options increase accessibility, reduce travel time, and allow clients to engage in therapy from locations that suit them while maintaining consistent care.