Michele "Shelly" Virva , LMSW

Michele "Shelly" Virva is a Michigan-licensed LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) with more than 20 years of professional experience. She has supported people facing stress, anxiety, women's issues, substance use disorder, trauma and abuse, and depression, working from a strengths-based perspective that values each person as the expert of their own story.

She approaches therapy with the belief that clients already possess resources and abilities that can help them move through challenges. Michele encourages clients to recognize and build on those strengths while taking the courageous steps needed to pursue a more fulfilling and happier life.

Throughout her career she has offered steady support and empowerment to those navigating change. Her aim is to stand alongside clients as they identify goals, try new strategies, and move toward the changes they want to make in their lives.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Michele "Shelly" Virva uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful and collaborative environment where the client's perspectives and goals guide the work. This approach focuses on empathy and understanding and is helpful for people wanting support to clarify values and make personal changes.

She also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical approach that explores connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT can help with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and habits related to substance use by teaching skills to reframe thinking and try new behavioral strategies.

Mindfulness therapy is another tool she draws on to help clients develop present-moment awareness and stress management skills, which can be useful for emotional regulation and coping with difficult memories or cravings.

Finding the right approach is part of the process, and Michele works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors sessions so techniques align with each person's pace and priorities.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to maintain continuity of care. These modalities allow licensed professionals to deliver consistent support while adapting to each client's logistical needs.