Michelle Tarbell, LMFT

Michelle Tarbell is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Texas with more than 21 years of clinical experience. She uses a client-centered approach that places the person and their goals at the center of sessions. Michelle focuses on practical steps people can take as they respond to stress, loss, and big life shifts.

She helps people who are dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma and abuse. Parenting concerns, self-esteem struggles, grief, anger, and caregiver stress are also areas she addresses. Michelle lists ADHD, LGBT concerns, family issues, and aging and geriatric issues among her focus areas.

In sessions Michelle encourages clients to shape the agenda and to set clear, achievable goals. She pairs listening with direction when needed so people can try new ways of coping between visits. Her work draws on experience helping individuals and families navigate transitions over many years.

Michelle has run a private practice for two decades and has extensive experience with teens and adults. Although she has worked with children and families in the past, she emphasizes individual work with teens and adults in this setting. Her Texas LMFT credential is noted as part of her professional background.

People who choose Michelle should expect straightforward conversations about what’s bothering them and concrete steps to move forward. She aims to help clients build manageable plans for change while honoring each person’s pace and priorities.

Client-centered care and online therapy

Client-centered Therapy focuses on listening without judgement and making the client’s experience the foundation of change. The therapist reflects what the person says, helps them name priorities, and supports self-directed goals; this approach can be helpful for anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship or parenting stress.

Michelle also uses solution-focused ideas in session which emphasize small, practical steps. Those conversations look at what’s working, set short-term goals, and try experiments between visits to build momentum for change. This can be useful for coping with life changes, caregiver stress, and day-to-day functioning.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, and then adjust methods as needed. Clients take an active role in shaping sessions and deciding which tools to keep using.

Session formats are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm available formats before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow follow-up conversations between appointments. It can also make shorter check-ins or quieter, focused sessions more practical for people juggling caregiving or work responsibilities.