- 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. He works with adults on issues such as stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma, grief, and attention challenges. He uses clear, practical methods in sessions and keeps communication straightforward.
He favors techniques that help people notice thoughts and choices, reduce reactivity, and build skills. Mindfulness practices are used for anxiety and depression. Cognitive-behavioral skill building is part of most sessions to change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns.
Michael also focuses on communication skill building. He teaches assertiveness techniques so people can express needs without escalating conflict. These skills are presented in short, usable steps rather than long lectures.
Sessions emphasize practicing tools in real life. Clients work on small changes they can repeat between meetings. The approach is practical and action oriented, with time spent on what helps in daily routines.
He keeps a calm tone and aims to connect with people so they can talk through tense moments. The work covers a broad range of concerns from eating and sleeping problems to coping with life changes and caregiver stress. Michael integrates several therapy styles to match the client’s needs and goals.
How his methods translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It is useful for chronic stress, anger that keeps returning, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on specific thinking and behavior patterns and teaches skills to reduce anxiety, depression, and reactive responses. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers practical tools for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and strengthening interpersonal effectiveness.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael will review what is and isn't helping and suggest techniques to try. That decision is collaborative and adjusts based on what the client finds useful during sessions.
Confirm the session formats before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. They also let people practice communication and mindfulness skills in real-life settings between meetings. Ask about current session options 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
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, depression, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping and eating problems, ADHD, and related areas.
How would you describe his approach in sessions?
He uses practical methods like mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral skill building. Sessions focus on learning skills and practicing them between meetings.
How much experience does he have?
He has 26 years of clinical experience as an LCPC working with adults on a wide range of concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an Illinois LCPC and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.