Michele Lewis

Michele Lewis, LISW, LCSW, welcomes people who are struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or the fallout from trauma. She speaks plainly and aims to make therapy feel understandable and doable. Michele has worked in clinical settings for 26 years and brings that experience into each session.

She focuses on helping people find ways to express themselves and live more authentically after painful experiences. Michele also supports adults who are navigating caregiving stress, aging-related changes, chronic illness, and end-of-life concerns. Intellectual disability is listed among her additional focus areas and she includes that context when relevant to someone's care.

Michele blends practical skill-building with reflective conversation. She uses approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to manage mood and stress. She also draws on client-centered and emotionally focused ideas to help people improve connection and communication.

Sessions aim to identify what is getting in the way of feeling better and to try new ways of coping. Michele guides people through small, concrete steps - practicing new skills, testing different ways of responding, and tracking what helps. She emphasizes short-term strategies for relief as well as longer-term changes in behavior and relationships.

Her background includes a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from William Jewell College. Michele maintains licensure in Missouri and Iowa and offers evening and weekend appointments when scheduling permits.

How Michele’s Approaches Translate to Online Work

Michele commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her practice. ACT involves clarifying values and learning to accept difficult thoughts while taking actions that match what matters most; it can help with anxiety, grief, and major life transitions. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and practicing concrete skills to reduce depression and anxiety and improve mood.

She also brings client-centered principles into sessions, offering a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the person's goals lead the work. Finding the right approach is a collaborative process; Michele will talk with the person about their needs and preferences and suggest methods to try, adjusting based on what helps most.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are available. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allowing appointments during evenings or weekends and reducing travel time. It also makes it simpler to check in for short follow-ups, handle scheduling around caregiving duties, or join from a quieter place with lower bandwidth needs. Licensed professionals can guide which session rhythm and style will likely fit daily routines and therapeutic goals.