Michelle Hartenstein MSW, LISW-S is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master's Degree from the University of Cincinnati with an emphasis on Specialized Mental Health across the lifespan. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Northern Kentucky University. Michelle brings over 20 years of experience working in various therapeutic settings ranging from community mental health, dual diagnosis settings, inpatient, and psychiatric services in both residential, private practice and acute hospitalization settings. She began her career working with SES children and families in the foster care and dependency court system in Southeastern Ohio. Michelle currently enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and couples utilizing a multidimensional approach. In addition, she has provided Clinical Supervision for Master's-level interns and dependently licensed professionals. Michelle's areas of expertise include individual and relational issues, anxiety, depression, trauma focused and personal growth. Michelle believes therapy is a very individualized journey where each individuals biological, psychological, social, and spiritual needs are thoroughly assessed. Michelle provides Christian counseling upon request. Michelle believes in the power of vulnerability and the beauty of resilience. She begins each day with the Serenity Prayer asking the Lord her Savior to not only provide her with the courage, strength, knowledge, wisdom and patience but to also be with each and every client she encounters to assist them in overcoming their hardships. Therapy is a self-discovering journey, I look forward to embarking on this adventure together. When Michelle is not working she seeks adventure in the beauty of nature, often found traveling, photography, health and fitness and spending time with her Husband and son.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Initial session is informal, it's open ended and allows me to gain insight into chief complaints/struggles to create a specialized treatment plan.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
excellent communication skills, active listening abilities, empathy, patience, a non-judgmental attitude, strong observation skills, the ability to build trust, being culturally sensitive, and having a genuine desire to help others, all while maintaining professional boundaries and demonstrating self-awareness.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with individuals of various walks of life. I see life as a journey and the choice to step into therapy is a journey that will serve one throughout the duration of one's lifetime. Self-discovery and healing isn't always linear, engaging in therapy is a resource to assist in cultivating the desired life. I approach each client differently and simply meet you where you are.
Attachment-based
Assist clients developing understanding how early life relationships/attachments impact relationships across lifepsan
Trauma Informed Care
Assist client developing insights into manifestations of trauma affects various aspects of themselves/domains of life, etc.
Christian Counseling
Offering a faith based approach to viewing their struggles through the lens of God's faithfulness
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Emphasis on understanding emotions and how emotional dysregulation delays frustration tolerance
9 ratings with written reviews
December 8, 2025
Just finished session number one. Finding and meeting a new therapist can be scary, especially when you have a lot of heavy stuff to unload. I felt very at ease talking with Michelle and look forward to our next session.
November 10, 2025
Very positive. Really helpful.
August 18, 2025
I liked that she made me feel comfortable & open to talk to her. She's very warm & made it easy to get to know her. I feel like she's gonna be a good match for me