- Guilt and shame
- Self-esteem work
- Life changes
About Michael
Michael Sickels is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania with five years of clinical experience. He works with adults who are coping with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and big life changes. He also focuses on communication problems, isolation and loneliness, questions about life purpose, and feelings of guilt and shame.
He aims to make sessions straightforward and conversational. He invites people to name what feels heavy and to notice which thoughts and habits keep those feelings going. Sessions are practical, with attention to how feelings show up in day-to-day life and what small changes might help someone feel steadier.
Michael listens for connections between current struggles and past experiences. He helps people talk through loss, motivation struggles, or social anxiety in clear terms. He offers tools for managing overwhelming moments and for rebuilding confidence after setbacks.
Conversations tend to focus on realistic steps you can try between sessions. Michael checks in on what worked and what did not, then adjusts the plan. That keeps the work focused and tied to your everyday schedule.
People who reach out usually want a frank, down-to-earth approach to their problems. Michael treats guilt and shame as understandable reactions to life events and choices, and he works with clients to face those feelings without harsh judgment.
Sessions are conducted in English and follow Pennsylvania LPC standards. Prospective clients are encouraged to confirm current session options before booking.
How his approaches translate to online work
Michael uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on practical change. One common approach helps people identify unhelpful thought patterns and test more balanced ways of thinking. That method can reduce repetitive worry and social anxiety by changing how someone interprets events. Another approach emphasizes behavioral steps - small, manageable actions to rebuild routine, confidence, and engagement after loss or depression. Those steps make big problems feel more manageable.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He will review your goals, symptoms, and what you’ve already tried, then suggest options to try together. Progress is tracked and plans are adjusted based on what actually helps you in day-to-day life.
Confirm current session formats before booking, as the biography does not list specific online options. Online work can make scheduling easier and cut travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let sessions fit around work or family obligations. Talk with him about which arrangement would best fit your routine and what to expect from the first few sessions.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Pennsylvania
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes, plus related issues like communication problems and loneliness.
How would he approach feelings of guilt or shame?
He treats guilt and shame as common emotional responses and helps clients name those feelings, understand what keeps them active, and try practical steps to reduce their immediate burden.
What is his professional background?
He holds five years of professional counseling experience working with adults on mood and adjustment concerns.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Pennsylvania.
Does he offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select 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 or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.