- Person-centered care
- Practical coping tools
- Focus on sleep
About Michelle
Michelle Goodwater is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Washington with seven years of experience. She offers a warm, interactive style and focuses on helping people facing stress, anxiety, sleep problems, grief, depression, and relationship or intimacy concerns. Michelle aims to treat people with sensitivity and respect rather than labels.
Her work often blends practical, evidence-based tools with a person-centered approach. She uses methods from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and EMDR when appropriate. Sessions emphasize clear goals, coping skills, and small steps that fit daily life.
Michelle has supported people coping with trauma, abuse, and loss, as well as those dealing with career stress, compassion fatigue, and chronic worries. She also addresses more specific concerns such as attachment and family of origin issues, codependency, feelings of emptiness, and fertility-related stress. Sleeping difficulties are part of the concerns she helps people talk through.
Her sessions are collaborative. She listens first, then tailors strategies to match each person’s needs and preferences. Expect practical tools, paced exposure to difficult topics, and attention to emotional safety during hard conversations.
Michelle encourages people who are ready for change to make a first step. The initial process includes a short matching questionnaire and scheduling that works with the person’s availability. She aims to support and empower people as they work toward clearer routines, better sleep, and steadier emotional balance.
How therapy approaches translate to online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters to someone and building small, committed actions toward those values while learning to live with difficult thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at unhelpful thought patterns and behavior cycles and teaches concrete skills to change them, which can help with anxiety, sleep problems, and low mood. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an approach used to reduce the intensity of trauma memories by working through them in structured sessions.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and needs. That means starting with listening, trying a few techniques, and adjusting the plan based on what helps most.
The profile does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Many people find online therapy helpful because it can make scheduling easier and fit sessions into a busy week. Online work also lets therapists use guided exercises, sleep-focused behavioral strategies, and regular check-ins that align with daily routines. Discussing goals and practical barriers early helps shape sessions that fit real life and support better sleep and stress management.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Credentials
Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michelle commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, sleeping problems, anger, career challenges, bipolar concerns, and coping with life changes among other areas.
What is her therapeutic style and approach?
Her style is warm and interactive. She combines client-centered conversation with tools from CBT, ACT, DBT, and EMDR to build practical strategies.
How much experience does she have?
Michelle has seven years of experience working as a therapist in Washington State.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a licensed mental health counselor, LMHC, licensed in Washington and practices in that state.
Which languages are supported and can she see international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are used?
The original profile does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options when you start the booking process.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Michelle?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, fill out a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.