Michelle Pennella, LMHC
New York LMHC supporting emotional resilience
- Anxiety and depression care
- Trauma and grief support
- Flexible online sessions
About Michelle Pennella
Michelle Pennella is a licensed mental health counselor practicing in New York who works with people navigating a range of emotional and life challenges. She holds an LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and brings focused support for concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, bipolar disorder, and other mood and personality difficulties. Her work emphasizes building self-love, clarifying personal purpose, and strengthening resilience so clients can respond to stressors with greater adaptability and insight.
In sessions she creates a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore difficult emotions, process past experiences, and develop healthier coping strategies. Michelle addresses issues like isolation, intrusive thoughts, relationship challenges, and the pursuit of deeper self-understanding, tailoring interventions to each person’s circumstances. Drawing from evidence-based practices, she adapts treatment to meet unique needs and goals while encouraging personal empowerment and practical skill building.
Michelle works with a range of ages, from young adults through individuals in their 50s, supporting phases such as early-career pressures, dating and independence concerns, partnership and parenting stress, burnout, grief, and midlife transitions. Her approach is collaborative and practical, focused on insight, coping skills, and meaningful change.
In sessions she creates a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore difficult emotions, process past experiences, and develop healthier coping strategies. Michelle addresses issues like isolation, intrusive thoughts, relationship challenges, and the pursuit of deeper self-understanding, tailoring interventions to each person’s circumstances. Drawing from evidence-based practices, she adapts treatment to meet unique needs and goals while encouraging personal empowerment and practical skill building.
Michelle works with a range of ages, from young adults through individuals in their 50s, supporting phases such as early-career pressures, dating and independence concerns, partnership and parenting stress, burnout, grief, and midlife transitions. Her approach is collaborative and practical, focused on insight, coping skills, and meaningful change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesCommunication problemsDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)EmptinessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobia
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Michelle Pennella have?
She has 4 years of experience.
Is Michelle Pennella a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds an LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Her New York license number is NY LMHC 015637.
In which languages does Michelle Pennella provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Michelle Pennella located?
She is located in New York.
How can I work with Michelle Pennella as my therapist?
She offers sessions by video call, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging.
Does Michelle Pennella work with international clients?
She does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Michelle Pennella cost?
Costs can vary based on factors such as a client’s location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current pricing and details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
To begin with Michelle, click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match a client with a therapist. Depending on availability, the client can then schedule a first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and committing to meaningful action. It is often useful for anxiety, depression, grief, and questions about life purpose because it emphasizes living in line with what matters despite distress.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns in thoughts and behaviors and testing new ways of thinking and responding. This practical, structured approach can be helpful for mood disorders, anxiety, obsessions and compulsions, and many everyday stressors by teaching concrete coping and problem-solving skills.
Client-Centered Therapy places emphasis on empathy, respectful listening, and supporting a person’s capacity for self-direction. It creates space for exploration and integration, which can be beneficial for relationship concerns, identity questions, and transitions.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Michelle will work collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Online therapy offers flexibility by allowing sessions via video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to access licensed professionals around work schedules, family responsibilities, or mobility limitations. These options support continuity of care and let therapists adapt communication styles to what works best for each individual.