- Mindfulness and CBT
- Assertiveness training
- Practical coping skills
About Michael
Michael Minnella is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who brings a calm approach to therapy. He speaks in a steady tone and aims to make people feel heard. Sessions focus on practical skills and steady support for stress, anxiety, depression, and addictions.
He uses mindfulness to help manage anxiety and low mood. He also teaches cognitive-behavioral skills to change unhelpful thoughts and actions. Sessions include hands-on practice, not just talk, so people can use new tools between meetings.
Communication and assertiveness are another regular focus. He helps people build clearer ways to say what they need. That work can ease relationship strain and reduce anger and frustration.
His practice covers a wide range of concerns, including grief, trauma and abuse, sleep and eating problems, ADHD, and coping with life changes. He also offers support for issues tied to adoption, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and coping with natural or human-caused disaster.
Michael has 26 years of experience working in Illinois. As an LCPC he draws on approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. He aims to help people build steady habits and clearer communication so they can face daily challenges with more control.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that match their values. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical exercises and homework. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, sleep, and addiction concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and guiding the pace of work to what the person needs, helping people feel understood as they build skills.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will ask about your goals, try different techniques, and adjust based on what helps. You and the therapist decide together which methods fit your situation and preferences.
If you are considering online sessions, please confirm the current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It also lets therapists use digital tools for skill-building and homework between meetings. Ask about the available session formats when you schedule so you know what to expect.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
26+ years
Credentials
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does this therapist address?
Common concerns include stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, low self-esteem, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep and eating issues, parenting and career strain, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and coping with life changes and disasters.
What is the therapy style like in sessions?
Sessions are calm and practical, focusing on mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral skill building. The therapist emphasizes clear communication and hands-on practice rather than long lectures.
How much experience does the clinician have?
The clinician has 26 years of experience working with a range of concerns and uses several therapeutic approaches in practice.
What are the clinician's credentials and location?
He holds the LCPC credential as an Illinois LCPC and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with this therapist?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.