About

Michelle Pennella is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York who helps people make sense of intense emotions and move through difficult seasons of life with greater steadiness and self-understanding. Her work supports individuals facing concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, bipolar disorder, and a range of mood and personality-related challenges. She also addresses experiences that can feel isolating or overwhelming, including intrusive thoughts, obsessions and compulsions, guilt and shame, loneliness, impulsivity, communication problems, infidelity, and questions around life purpose and identity.

With a warm, non-judgmental style, Michelle creates space for clients to explore what hurts, what feels stuck, and what they want to change. She emphasizes building self-compassion, clarifying personal values, and developing resilience so clients can respond to life with more intention rather than feeling driven by distress. Her approach is collaborative and practical, pairing insight with coping strategies that fit each person’s needs and circumstances.

Michelle works with young adults through individuals in their 50s, including those navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, career stress, parenting stress, burnout, postpartum depression, grief, and midlife concerns. Drawing from evidence-based methods, she tailors therapy to each stage of life, helping clients turn challenges into meaningful growth and steadier emotional well-being.
Location:
New York, United States
Years Experience:
4
Gender:
Female
Languages Spoken:
English
Therapist of Color:
No
Communication Options:
Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Specialties

Primary area of focus:Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression
Other areas of experience: Communication problems, Dependent personality, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Personality disorders, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Self-harm, Self-love
Therapeutic approach:Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy

Credentials & Verification

  • Credentials: NY LMHC 015637
  • NPI Number: 1306561014
  • License: LMHC (New York)

Evidence-Based Tools, Guided Online

Michelle Pennella draws from approaches that help clients build insight and practical coping skills in everyday life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, then practicing new responses that better support mood, stress management, and day-to-day functioning. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients make room for difficult feelings while reconnecting with personal values, so choices can feel more intentional during periods of anxiety, grief, or major life transitions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier communication, which can be especially useful when emotions feel intense or relationships feel strained.

Finding the right fit is part of the work. Michelle collaborates with each client to clarify goals, understand what has and has not helped before, and choose strategies that align with the client’s needs, preferences, and stage of life. Therapy can be paced to feel manageable while still creating meaningful momentum.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options can make it easier to get support around work, school, parenting, or shifting schedules, while still staying engaged in consistent therapeutic progress.

How much experience does Michelle Pennella have?

Michelle Pennella has 4 years of experience providing therapy and supporting clients through concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and other emotional challenges.

Is Michelle Pennella a licensed therapist?

Yes. Michelle Pennella is a licensed therapist and holds the credential LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Her license is NY LMHC 015637.

In which languages does Michelle Pennella provide therapy?

Michelle Pennella provides therapy in English.

Where is Michelle Pennella located?

Michelle Pennella is located in New York.

How can I work with Michelle Pennella as my therapist?

You can work with Michelle Pennella through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This range of options can make it easier to choose a format that fits your schedule and comfort level.

Does Michelle Pennella work with international clients?

No. Michelle Pennella does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Michelle Pennella cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.