Michele "Shelly" Virva, LMSW

Michele "Shelly" Virva is a licensed clinician in Michigan with 20 years of experience. She uses a client-centered approach and meets people where they are. Shelly believes clients are the experts on their own lives and builds on existing strengths to make change possible.

She helps people manage stress and anxiety and works with concerns like depression and substance use. Trauma and abuse are also areas she addresses, along with life transitions that leave people feeling stuck or overwhelmed. She lists caregiver issues and caregiving stress among her focus areas and is familiar with the pressures that role can bring.

Shelly uses practical methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness to help shift unhelpful patterns. Motivational interviewing and solution-focused conversations are part of her toolbox when people want to set clear, achievable goals. Sessions aim to be straightforward and action-oriented, while staying responsive to each person’s pace.

Clients can expect a collaborative tone in sessions where the therapist supports and empowers rather than directs. She encourages small steps and celebrates progress along the way. The work often includes learning new skills for coping, testing different options, and reflecting on what matters most.

Her background spans two decades of direct practice in Michigan settings. Shelly offers services in English and does not take international clients. Prospective clients should confirm current session options before booking.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting back what matters to the client. Online sessions using this approach often center on making space for a person to tell their story and identify their own priorities.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks larger problems into smaller, manageable parts. In an online setting CBT can guide practical tasks such as tracking mood, testing new behaviors, and changing unhelpful thinking patterns. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve coping with stress and pain. These practices can be introduced and practiced during remote sessions and then used between meetings.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't worked in the past. Together they will try methods that fit the person's needs and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Session formats supported by this profile are not listed here, so please confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people use skills learned in sessions in their everyday environment, helping make new habits stick.