Michele "Shelly" Virva, LMSW

Michele "Shelly" Virva is a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of experience. She centers sessions on the person in front of her and helps people navigate stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, and depression. Shelly frames clients as the experts on their own lives and works alongside them to set goals and make changes.

Shelly uses straightforward, practical methods in therapy. She listens first, then helps clients identify steps they can try between sessions. Expect clear conversations about what is getting in the way and small, doable experiments to test new habits. This style is helpful for people coping with major life changes or ongoing struggles.

Her work includes attention to attachment concerns, caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, and co-occurring conditions. She also supports people dealing with workplace issues, relationship breakdowns, pregnancy and childbirth transitions, and feelings of guilt or shame. Substance use and impulsivity are addressed with a focus on motivation and change.

Shelly draws on client-centered principles, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused strategies. These approaches are used flexibly to match each person's needs rather than following a rigid plan. The goal is to build skills that fit daily life.

She practices in Michigan and conducts sessions in English. To begin, people are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

Approaches that translate to online sessions

Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person's story and priorities, giving space for clients to guide the work and name their goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. Mindfulness-based techniques teach simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and support mood regulation.

Picking the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with the client to try different strategies, adjust based on what helps, and shape sessions around the client's goals and preferences. This is an ongoing, flexible process rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.

Confirm session formats before booking since the profile does not list them. Many people find online therapy helpful because it can fit into busy days, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when that suits a schedule. Online appointments can make it easier to keep continuity during life transitions and to practice skills between sessions without rearranging a full day.