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Michelle McHugh

Michelle McHugh, LICSW, LCSW

Arkansas

Licensed social worker - trauma and addictions

See online therapy options
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • EMDR informed work
  • Mindfulness practices

About Michelle

Michelle McHugh is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 23 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on concerns such as stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, relationship issues, grief, sleep problems, self-esteem, bipolar mood issues, and coping with life changes. She also lists family of origin issues among her focus areas.

McHugh trained at the New York University School of Social Work and has worked across inpatient addiction rehabs, inpatient psychiatric units, and outpatient mental health clinics. Her background includes long-term service as a Behavioral Health Officer in the Army National Guard and clinical work with active Guard soldiers and veterans from all branches.

In sessions she uses practical tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness practices to help people notice patterns and try new responses. She also draws on Motivational Interviewing and trauma-focused methods when people are working through past traumatic events or substance use concerns.

Her approach is collaborative and avoids stigmatizing labels. Conversations tend to focus on concrete strategies - identifying unhelpful thoughts, practicing grounding or mindful exercises, and setting small doable goals for change.

Clients are guided to set the pace and to pick techniques that fit their life. Before a first appointment she asks people to share basic background so the initial sessions can prioritize pressing concerns and safety. International clients may be accepted; confirm current options when scheduling.

How Michelle uses therapeutic approaches online

Therapy with Michelle draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR-informed trauma work among other approaches. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new ways of thinking and behaving to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. EMDR-informed techniques involve structured processing of distressing memories and symptoms linked to past events to reduce their hold on current life. She also uses mindfulness practices to help people notice physical and mental states without judgment. Mindfulness can assist with sleep problems, anxiety, and managing strong emotions. Choosing which approach to emphasize is a collaborative decision; she will work with each person to match methods to their goals, comfort level, and the issues they bring to sessions. Session logistics should be confirmed before booking since the biography does not list specific formats. Ask about the available session formats and how they fit into your schedule. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, and travel, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and remove commuting time so appointments are more practical for everyday life.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

Relationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCodependencyDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)SexualityWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Listed in

Alabama, Arkansas

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What issues does she help with?

She works with adults on stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, relationship strain, grief, sleep problems, self-esteem, bipolar mood issues, and coping with life changes. Family of origin issues are also listed as a focus area.

What is her therapeutic style?

She uses a collaborative, client-focused style and avoids stigmatizing labels. Sessions emphasize practical strategies like thought work, mindful exercises, and goal setting.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 23 years of clinical experience working in inpatient and outpatient settings. She also has more than a decade of service as a Behavioral Health Officer in the Army National Guard.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds LICSW and LCSW credentials and is licensed in Alabama and Arkansas. Her practice is associated with Arkansas as a location.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are accepted; confirm details when arranging care.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats. Confirm current session options and formats before booking.

How are sessions priced?

Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Confirm pricing details when you schedule.

How do I get started?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That process begins the initial intake and scheduling.

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Michelle McHughLICSW, LCSW

See online therapy options