- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Self esteem work
About Michael
Michael Sickels is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania with five years of clinical experience. He focuses on stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. He also addresses communication problems, guilt and shame, isolation and loneliness, social anxiety and phobia, self-love, and questions of life purpose.
Michael works in a straightforward, conversational way. He encourages people to name what feels off and to notice small steps that can change daily life. Sessions are a place to talk through emotions, sort priorities, and practice ways to respond differently to stress or negative thoughts.
He helps people who feel stalled by a transition, loss, or long-term worry. Conversations include setting realistic short-term goals and trying practical skills between sessions. Homework tends to be simple and focused on everyday situations rather than abstract exercises.
Michael frames progress as a series of manageable changes rather than dramatic breakthroughs. He pays attention to how relationships, routine, and self-talk affect mood and motivation. When grief or shame is present, he supports gradual processing so it does not keep a person stuck.
People meet him to clarify what matters next after a job change, breakup, health shift, or other life event. He aims to make the work understandable and doable, with clear steps to practice outside sessions.
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Michael draws on evidence-based techniques that focus on thoughts, behaviors, and coping skills. Cognitive approaches look at unhelpful thinking patterns and teach ways to test and reframe those thoughts so anxiety and low mood are easier to manage. Behavioral methods emphasize small, practical changes in activity and routine to lift mood and reduce avoidance.Finding which approach fits is part of the first work. He will collaborate with clients to choose methods based on current difficulties, goals, and what feels doable. The plan can be adjusted over time as needs change and progress becomes clearer.
The biography does not list which online formats are offered, so confirm specific session options before booking. Online therapy can still make it easier to fit sessions into weekly life - for example, reducing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins during a busy day, or removing the need to be on camera for every meeting. Licensed professionals can use these practical benefits to help people maintain steady work between sessions and practice skills in real-world settings.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Pennsylvania
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does he focus on?
He works with stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include communication problems, guilt and shame, isolation and loneliness, social anxiety and life purpose.
How does he approach someone who feels stuck?
He uses conversational, practical sessions that identify small, manageable steps. Work often includes setting short-term goals and practicing concrete skills between meetings.
What is his professional background?
He has five years of professional work experience as a counselor. That experience has included helping people with mood concerns and with major life transitions.
What credential does he hold and where does he practice?
He holds an LPC credential and is licensed in Pennsylvania.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current session options before booking to know what formats are offered.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.