We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Phelan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Becoming a counselor has been a journey of congruence for me. As an undergraduate, I received degrees in Psychology and Women’s Studies from the University of Kansas. Professionally, I explored roles in different fields and met outstanding people along the way, yet never felt that *spark*. My undergraduate degrees reflect who I am, yet my career path did not at that time, therefore I was left with a sense of incongruence. After much self reflection, I applied to graduate school and was accepted – I was ecstatic! Soon after, I found out I was pregnant with our first son. Within months I became a mother, left the corporate world, and started my Master’s in Counseling at the University of North Texas. It was a whirlwind – yet I wouldn’t change a moment of it. My training as a counselor required much self reflection, which I was doing alongside becoming a new mom. A strong passion for maternal mental health flourished during this time. Finally, my profession felt aligned with who I am.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Currently I’m the owner of my private practice, Michelle Phelan Counseling, Inc. Being a “business owner” was never something I thought I would be. That being said, I’m incredibly grateful for the ability to provide counseling services within the business structure and environment that feels congruent for me. I’ve built my practice with this mindset: love what you do and be genuine in that.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and provide mental health counseling for adolescents and adults via individual, couples, and family services. I’ve worked in a variety of settings including outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential group home, agency, and private practice. My array of experience has provided me with knowledge, training, and opportunity to work with individuals as they work through their unique process of healing.

Counseling is a unique journey for each person and I believe it takes courage to face one’s challenges. The lens through which I work is person-centered and focuses on the capacity for growth and healing within individuals. At times, counseling can be beneficial in facilitating that growth and healing. My approach to counseling is grounded in the belief that people strive to discover and be their true selves, which can be achieved through a therapeutic relationship based on non-judgement, empathetic listening, and genuineness. I firmly believe in the importance of creating a safe, accepting, and welcoming therapeutic environment. Within this space, I assist each client in working towards desired goals for counseling, whatever those may be. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that counseling is not “one size fits all” and I strive for a holistic focus. My role as a counselor is to walk alongside my clients as they process experiences, uncover insights, and move forward in making changes. Change doesn’t mean changing who one is as a person, rather, changing unwanted behaviors and unhelpful thinking patterns. The overall goal of therapy is not to change who you are, yet to increase emotional well-being.

While I have specialized training focused on working with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), my experience also lies in working with anxiety, depression, sexual trauma, relationship concerns, infertility, loss and grief, pregnancy, and the stressors of life. I find great purpose in and am honored to work with clients on their path to, through, and beyond pregnancy. I’ve completed training in Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and can integrate this method in the counseling process, if desired.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Within the mental health field, there are different licenses and training programs. Also, among licensees, there are different theories, personalities, continued education, focuses of research, and skills. Not only that, this field is continuously evolving, which makes working in mental health so amazing! As a nascent counselor, there were moments when I felt lost in all of the information. There are still moments when I feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of knowledge available via trainings, podcasts, literature, consultation, and beyond. For me, leaning into empathy, acceptance, and genuineness feels grounding.

Empathy, acceptance, and genuineness are the core conditions that provide a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment for clients. Within that environment, healing can take place – however that looks for each person. I believe that the core conditions are the foundation which growth, education, and experience can be built upon. This represents my view of what success looks like in this field.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As for many of us, my pivot moment was in March of 2020. When everything shut down, I had to learn how to do therapy with clients while not being in the same room. I believe in the energy within the counseling room and how that affects dynamics. Up until that time, I had never considered offering telehealth services. Then, I found myself having to shift in order to continue to work with clients. I quickly signed up for trainings, researched platforms, and consulted with other professionals regarding telehealth. There was a learning curve, yet my transition to teleheath went smoothly. Currently, I offer in person and telehealth services based on what each client feels comfortable with. In the moment, the pivot felt shocking, rapid, and out of control. Once I felt grounded, I recognized the benefits of this new (to me) platform. Offering telehealth services has expanded my reach and the opportunity to provide clients with another option for treatment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.michellephelan.com
• Instagram: @michellephelancounseling
• Facebook: @michellephelanLPC
• Linkedin: Michelle Phelan

Image Credits
Dan Huntley Photography (professional headshot)