Dr. Michelle Turnbough

Dr. Michelle Turnbough uses a client-centered approach to guide people through hard moments. She is an Illinois licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with 13 years of experience. Her style is warm and practical, focused on finding steps that can make daily life easier.

She has spent many years helping people with stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction. She also addresses relationship and family concerns, parenting strain, grief, anger, and trauma and abuse. Additional focuses include workplace issues, multicultural concerns, and challenges like guilt, shame, and isolation.

In sessions she blends straightforward tools from cognitive behavioral therapy with motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques. That mix helps people set clear goals, shift unhelpful thoughts, and try small changes that add up. Trauma-focused methods are used when past events are part of current struggles.

Her background includes long-term work in social services and clinical leadership roles in addiction counseling. That experience informs a practical approach aimed at immediate coping skills and longer-term growth. People who seek her out are often looking for hands-on strategies and direct support.

Dr. Turnbough works with clients to outline goals and make a plan that fits their life. She encourages self-compassion and a focus on strengths while addressing the problems that led someone to reach out. The emphasis is on usable steps and steady progress.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online therapy

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and collaboration. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects what matters most, and helps people name their goals. This approach supports work on relationships, self-esteem, and life changes.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact. It uses practical exercises to change unhelpful thinking and build new coping skills, which can help with anxiety, depression, anger, and mood challenges.

Motivational interviewing helps people find their own reasons to change. It suits situations like addiction, ambivalence about recovery, or when small shifts in behavior are needed.

Choosing an approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't worked before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the specific session formats available before booking. Many people appreciate online work because it can fit into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and make it easier to check in between commitments. Some formats use less bandwidth or allow shorter check-ins, which can suit a work break or a quick follow-up. The focus is on finding a plan that fits daily life and helps build practical skills.