Michel Gotwals

Michel Gotwals is an Ohio-licensed social worker with 25 years of clinical experience. She meets people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She aims to tailor conversations and a plan to each person’s needs. Michel supports people taking the first steps toward a more fulfilling life.

She focuses on relationship troubles, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns, self-esteem, depression, career issues, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Additional areas she addresses include hospice and end-of-life concerns, infidelity, jealousy, veteran and armed forces issues, and intellectual disability. Michel draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide sessions and respond to what each person brings.

In sessions she emphasizes listening first and adapting the work to practical goals. That might mean talking through difficult memories, improving communication patterns, or developing coping steps for mood fluctuations. She works at a pace chosen together, adjusting methods as progress is made.

Her approach is straightforward and collaborative. She helps people set clear, manageable goals and checks in about what is and isn’t working. Those who prefer a direct and respectful style may find this approach helpful.

Michel practices in Ohio and conducts sessions in English. People who live outside the U.S. may also work with her; international clients are accepted. To begin, prospective clients complete a short questionnaire and schedule according to availability.

Practical approaches for online mental health care

Michel uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide her work. One common approach is goal-focused talk therapy, which breaks larger problems into small, actionable steps to improve mood, self-esteem, or relationship patterns. This method helps when someone needs concrete changes and clear progress markers.

Another helpful technique is trauma-informed care, which centers on safety and pacing when addressing past hurt or abuse. It emphasizes listening, building trust, and choosing manageable steps so the person remains in control of the process.

Choosing the right approach is part of the early work together. Michel will discuss your needs, goals, and preferences and then suggest options. The plan can shift over time as you learn what helps most; the process is collaborative rather than one-size-fits-all.

Because the original biography does not list specific session formats, confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier, reduce travel time, and allow check-ins around a workday or caregiving duties. It can also let people continue care when they move or travel, while the therapist and client decide which methods fit best for their situation.