- Mindfulness based
- Skill building
- Assertiveness work
About Michael
Michael Minnella is a clinical therapist who uses calm, patient support to help people through hard times. He draws on a mix of practical methods to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and build stronger day-to-day coping skills.
He often teaches mindfulness practices to ease worry and low mood. He also uses cognitive-behavioral strategies to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and change reactions. Sessions focus on clear, usable skills that people can apply between meetings.
Communication work is a common part of his approach. He helps people practice assertiveness and clearer ways to speak up. That often links to relationship concerns, parenting stress, or workplace strain.
Over a 26-year career he has worked with a wide range of concerns. These include stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, self-esteem, depression, trauma and grief, sleep and eating issues, bipolar concerns, and ADHD. Additional attention is given to adoption and foster care topics, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and family problems.
Michael holds an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor credential, LCPC. He provides counseling in English and is based in Illinois. To begin, readers are asked to use the site process to match and schedule a first appointment.
He often teaches mindfulness practices to ease worry and low mood. He also uses cognitive-behavioral strategies to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and change reactions. Sessions focus on clear, usable skills that people can apply between meetings.
Communication work is a common part of his approach. He helps people practice assertiveness and clearer ways to speak up. That often links to relationship concerns, parenting stress, or workplace strain.
Over a 26-year career he has worked with a wide range of concerns. These include stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, self-esteem, depression, trauma and grief, sleep and eating issues, bipolar concerns, and ADHD. Additional attention is given to adoption and foster care topics, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and family problems.
Michael holds an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor credential, LCPC. He provides counseling in English and is based in Illinois. To begin, readers are asked to use the site process to match and schedule a first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessHearing impairedImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Social anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
26+ years
Credentials
Illinois
Languages
English
How Michael’s approaches translate to online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people notice what matters to them and take small actions that match their values. It can help with anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes by teaching practical moves that reduce avoidance and increase meaningful activity.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It teaches concrete skills to challenge unhelpful thoughts and build new habits, which can help with anxiety, mood, sleep, and addiction-related patterns.
Finding the right approach is usually collaborative. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, try techniques, and adjust the plan based on what helps. Clients and the therapist choose methods together rather than starting with a single fixed program.
Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow more flexible scheduling. It also makes skill practice and brief check-ins simpler to arrange around work, parenting, or treatment for chronic illness.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Michael focus on?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, low self-esteem, trauma and grief, relationship and family problems, sleep and eating issues, and related concerns like ADHD and caregiver stress.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses a calm, patient approach and emphasizes practical skills. Sessions often include mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques for immediate, usable strategies.
How much experience does he have?
He has 26 years of clinical experience working with a broad range of emotional and behavioral challenges.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor credential, LCPC, and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions arranged and paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps do I take to start therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.