Michele Lewis
LISW, LCSW
Compassionate, practical trauma-informed care
- Trauma-focused support
- Mindfulness and ACT
- Geriatric and grief care
About Michele
With 26 years of experience, Michele blends approaches to fit each person’s needs rather than using a single method. She draws on Trauma-Focused Therapy alongside cognitive and emotion-focused tools to help people process painful memories and build skills for daily life. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centered ideas to support values-based choices and self-acceptance.
Many people come to Michele for help after loss, during caregiving challenges, or while adjusting to major life changes. She works with issues such as chronic pain and illness, caregiver stress, and feelings of isolation as well as relationship and career concerns. Her background includes work in geriatrics and hospice-related counseling, which informs her approach to aging and end-of-life matters.
Sessions focus on learning concrete coping techniques, practicing new ways of communicating, and creating a plan that fits real life. Michele emphasizes emotional expression and gradual steps toward the goals a person names. She uses mindfulness and stress-management tools to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Michele holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and is licensed as an LISW in Iowa and an LCSW in Missouri. To begin, she asks prospective clients to complete a short questionnaire and schedule a time to meet.
How Trauma-Focused, ACT, and Client-Centered Work Online
Michele commonly uses Trauma-Focused Therapy to help people process painful memories and reduce the ways those memories disrupt daily life. This approach focuses on gently addressing traumatic events and teaching coping skills to manage reactions and triggers.She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people clarify their values and take small, meaningful steps toward a life they care about even when painful feelings remain. Client-Centered Therapy is another part of her work, providing an accepting space where a person can speak freely and be heard as they decide on next steps.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Michele collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals, comfort level, and pace. She may combine techniques so sessions feel practical and tailored rather than one-size-fits-all.
Session format options are not listed here, so confirm available formats before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, reduce travel time, and make attendance simpler during evenings or weekends. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises, mindfulness practices, and skill-building activities to an online setting so the work stays focused on real-life changes.
These summaries are based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp. Listing trauma-focused therapy does not mean a therapist holds a specific certification such as TF-CBT, EMDR or CPT.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
26+ years
Credentials
Missouri, Iowa
Languages
English
Licenses listed
- LCSW, Missouri2001009328
- LISW, Iowa118059
- NPI1497004980
As listed on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michele commonly address?
She works with trauma and abuse, grief, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and stress. Other focuses include caregiver stress, chronic illness, isolation, and career or communication problems.
What is her therapeutic style like?
The approach is warm, accepting, and collaborative. Michele blends Trauma-Focused Therapy with cognitive, emotion-focused, and mindfulness techniques to match each person's needs.
How much experience does she have?
She has 26 years of clinical experience working in mental health settings, including geriatrics and hospice-related counseling.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and is licensed as an LISW in Iowa and an LCSW in Missouri, with practice based in Missouri.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
Session formats are not specified here; please confirm the current session options before booking to ensure they meet your needs.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work together?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.
Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication; a doctor can talk with you about medical options. This directory is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988.