- Mindfulness for anxiety
- CBT skill building
- Assertiveness training
About Michael
Michael Minnella is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 26 years of experience working with adults. He focuses on common struggles like anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, addiction, and life changes. Michael uses practical skills and straightforward conversation to help people manage day-to-day difficulties.
He often introduces mindfulness techniques to ease anxiety and depression. He also teaches cognitive-behavioral skills to change unhelpful thinking and behavior. Those tools are presented in simple steps so they can be used between sessions.
Communication and assertiveness skills are another emphasis. Michael helps people practice speaking up, setting boundaries, and handling conflict more directly. These sessions include role-play and concrete exercises to build confidence in real situations.
His work also addresses trauma, grief, parenting strain, ADHD challenges, sleep and eating concerns, and caregiving stress. He draws on attachment-based ideas when relationship patterns are part of the problem, helping people see and alter how they relate to others.
Sessions are paced to match each person’s needs, with focus on techniques you can use right away. The aim is to teach clear, practical steps that fit into everyday life. To start, prospective clients follow the site’s matching process and schedule an initial appointment.
How Michael uses practical approaches in online sessions
Michael draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered ideas to shape online work. ACT encourages noticing difficult thoughts and choosing actions that match your values; it can help when people feel stuck by fear or indecision. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying new behaviors to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Client-centered work means the conversation centers on the person’s experience and goals, with the therapist offering listening and reflective feedback.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. Michael will collaborate with each person to pick methods that fit their goals and daily life. That discussion happens early on and can change as progress is made.
The exact online session formats for this therapist are not specified here, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let someone avoid travel time. These practical benefits help people maintain continuity of care while practicing skills between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
26+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he work with?
He focuses on stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship and family issues, trauma, grief, sleep and eating problems, parenting strain, ADHD, and related areas.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a practical, skills-based approach with mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques and clear, direct conversation.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 26 years of clinical experience as an Illinois LCPC.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He is an Illinois LCPC and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
He is not accepting international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.