Michelle Goodwater

Compassionate evidence-informed therapy for practical change

LMHC Washington

Experience: 7 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Michelle

Michelle Goodwater is a Washington-licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who brings seven years of clinical experience to her practice. She emphasizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alongside complementary methods to help people manage anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, and stress.

Background and approach

Michelle blends practical skill-building with empathic listening to address symptoms like sleep problems, anger, low self-esteem, and challenges related to intimacy and relationships.

Her work also includes support for career-related issues, bipolar disorder management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue, as well as a range of additional concerns such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, family of origin issues, codependency, and fertility or cancer-related stress.

Michelle describes a warm, interactive style that aims to treat clients with respect and sensitivity while avoiding stigmatizing labels. She collaborates with each person to shape an individualized plan that aligns therapeutic techniques with their goals and preferences.

Michelle practices in Washington and holds the credential WA LMHC 60938979. She offers a flexible mix of session formats to fit different needs and schedules and invites those ready to begin change to take the first step toward more fulfilling daily life.

Online Therapy with Evidence-Informed Approaches

Michelle integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy alongside client-centered principles to guide online work. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and anger. ACT encourages values-driven action and mindfulness skills to help people tolerate difficult emotions and move toward meaningful goals. Client-centered methods prioritize empathic listening and collaboration, creating space for clients to feel heard while shaping treatment around their priorities.

Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic process, and Michelle treats that as a collaborative exploration. She will work with clients to assess needs, set goals, and adjust methods over time so therapy reflects individual preferences and changing circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to consistently access therapy while accommodating work, family, and travel demands, and they allow clients and therapists to focus on practical strategies and emotional processing in ways that fit each person’s life.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michelle commonly address?

She works with a broad set of issues including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, self-esteem, sleeping problems, anger, relationship and intimacy-related issues, career concerns, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

How would you describe her therapeutic approach and style?

Her style is warm and interactive, combining cognitive behavioral therapy with other approaches like ACT, DBT, EMDR, and client-centered techniques to tailor care to each person's needs.

What is her professional background and experience?

She is a licensed mental health counselor with seven years of experience supporting people through trauma, mood concerns, relationship and family issues, and other life challenges.

Where is she licensed to practice and what is her credential?

She is licensed in Washington as an LMHC and holds the credential WA LMHC 60938979.

Does she offer services in other languages or accept international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available?

She provides a variety of online formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies depending on location and therapist availability, and sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What should I do to begin working with her?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Self esteem Depression

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityCancerCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shame ImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

7+ years

Licensed

Washington

Languages

English