Michelle Fennessy, LCSW

Michelle Fennessy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience. She trained at Columbia University for her master's degree and studied psychology at Mount Holyoke College. Michelle welcomes people who are nervous about starting therapy and acknowledges how hard that first step can be.

She encourages credit for the courage it takes to reach out. Michelle says opening up often takes time and trust, and she aims to make that process gentler. She believes most people want to know they are not alone.

Her day-to-day work focuses on anxiety, depression, trauma, heartbreak, and midlife relationship challenges. She also helps people address addictive or self-destructive behaviors like binge-eating, overdrinking, or compulsive social media checking. Michelle has experience with the stresses that come from living abroad and the special strains that ex-patriot life can bring.

Michelle uses practical, goal-oriented methods in sessions. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused ideas, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness practices to help people notice and change unhelpful patterns. She talks in plain language and works with clients to find small shifts that feel better.

Many clients come wanting clearer direction or relief from heavy feelings. Michelle emphasizes strengths and looks for what is already working. Her aim is to help people feel better and move toward lives they want to live.

How chosen approaches translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and then commit to actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like worry and low mood. It often includes practical exercises to try between sessions. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve emotional balance, which supports stress and trauma recovery.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has helped or not helped before. Together they decide which methods to emphasize and adjust the plan as progress is made.

The original biography does not specify exact session formats, so confirm available online options before booking. Many people find online work helpful because it can fit more easily into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Online sessions also make it easier to continue care when living abroad or moving between locations. Discuss practical needs with the therapist to shape sessions that fit daily life and goals.