About Michelle

My name is Michelle O'Connell, and I am a licensed mental health therapist with over a decade of clinical experience supporting individuals in healing, growth, and lasting change. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from University of St. Thomas and have spent my career working across a variety of treatment settings with diverse client needs.

My background includes working in residential treatment centers with adolescents experiencing suicidal ideation and self-harm, as well as dual-diagnosis treatment programs supporting individuals navigating both mental health concerns and substance use challenges. I also spent several years serving in the nonprofit mental health space before transitioning fully into private practice in 2022. While I have been in private practice since 2015, stepping away from nonprofit work allowed me to devote my full energy to building a practice rooted in personalized, high-quality care.

In addition to psychotherapy, I have experience providing clinical supervision, facilitating workshops on mental health and personal growth, and offering mental health consultation. I am also the founder of Unstuck by Michelle, a dating coaching business launched in 2021 that supports individuals in creating healthier relationship patterns and greater confidence in dating.

Beyond the therapy room, I am a fitness instructor at Barre3 and deeply value movement as part of overall wellness. I was recently certified as a Functional Breath Coach through Oxygen Advantage and enjoy integrating evidence-based breathing practices into healing and performance work.

I believe healing is not just about symptom relief, it is about understanding the “why,” deepening self-awareness, and continuing to grow. As clinicians and as humans, we are always evolving, and I am passionate about helping others do the same with compassion, insight, and practical tools for change.

I also believe that when people strengthen their mental health, learn to manage stress effectively, and reconnect with their breath through functional breathing, they function better in every area of life. They often experience improved focus and productivity at work, healthier relationships, greater energy, and an overall stronger sense of well-being.