Michelle Dothager, LCSW

About me

You will find that I love pairing creativity with intuition and a good pragmatic approach. I have over 15 years of experience in the field of behavioral health and addictions treatment. My experience with children, adolescents and adults has taught me that as humans, we share many common threads and themes. Yet, each person and family has their own distinct story. As such, I endeavor to respect those differences, acknowledge individuality and hold space based on your unique needs and expectations.

By simply reading this bio and considering therapy you are moving with intention. For whatever purpose you are here. Do not miss an opportunity to recognize this step as progress. These self-directed moves are the combination of actions that ultimately propel you toward the direction you seek.

We have been taught to expect that when we employ certain linear, orderly, step-wise or karmic principles that life will reward you. Although this may serve us well under certain conditions. As time unravels, the flaw in this theory becomes evident.

Many of us come to find that maintaining wellness is complicated by factors that we may or may not have control over. We are deeply impacted by things like personal history, biology, traumatic experiences, relationships, and losses. Many of which we may not be equipped for. Therefore, we have to work to develop resilience, gain insight, and find relief.

I’m reminded of the classic song, Tom Sawyer by Rush, “Always hopeful, yet discontent, they know changes aren't permanent, but change is”. Our foundation of hope is this. Although changes may be unpredictable. They are not always permanent and never have to be unmanageable. Even though, at times, may feel that way.

I value all questions, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Professional experience

Additional areas of focus: Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Divorce and separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Emptiness, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Intellectual Disability, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Traumatic Brain Injury, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues

Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy

License information

IL LCSW 149020495

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Michelle Dothager. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.