Renew Your Mind, Heal Your Soul
Welcome to a therapy experience designed just for you. I'm Michael Ellis, LCSW, committed to helping you broaden your perspective and discover peace and purpose as you move forward in your life.
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Welcome again to a therapy experience designed to remove frustration and barriers from getting the support you need. Our goal is to ensure you feel heard, cared for, and valued every step of the way.
We partner with Headway.co for billing, insurance, and scheduling. Their team is highly responsive. If you have any questions about appointments or billing, feel free to give us a call—we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Michael Ellis, LCSW
My counseling approach combines elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), with additional influence from Motivational Interviewing techniques.
Above all, I want you to feel truly cared for, heard, and valued during our time together. If, at the end of a session, you don’t feel that way, then I want to know—because something has gone wrong. My priority is to get it right for you, and if I’m not the best fit, I’ll gladly connect you with a trusted therapist in my network who can better meet your needs.
Michael Ellis was born in Alexandria, VA, in 1981 and moved to Mentor, OH, a suburb of Cleveland, in 1985. He grew up in a loving home with his parents and two younger brothers.
From an early age, Michael was actively involved in his community. His church emphasized monthly service projects, allowing him to develop a deep appreciation for people of all backgrounds. Through these experiences, he cultivated a strong sense of compassion, recognizing the unique strengths and challenges of individuals regardless of gender, nationality, or identity. His innate desire to support and uplift others became a defining part of his character.
Michael continued to refine these qualities during his college years. He attended Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, PA, earning a Bachelor of Science in Bible in 2003. After graduation, he served as an Assistant Pastor in Front Royal, VA, from 2003 to 2005.
Seeking a new path, Michael transitioned into law enforcement, working as a Police Officer in Winchester, VA, from 2005 to 2007. However, he soon realized that his true calling lay elsewhere. In 2007, he joined the Winchester Department of Social Services as a Foster Care Worker, where he spent nine years helping vulnerable children and families. During this time, he pursued higher education, earning a Master of Social Work from West Virginia University in 2011.
Building on his experience, Michael shifted into a therapeutic role in 2016, working as a Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor for the National Counseling Group (NCG). Over the next three years, he also served as an In-Home Counselor and Clinical Supervisor.
After completing the necessary supervision and obtaining his Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) title, Michael joined Exhale Behavioral Health in 2019. There, he worked as an Independent Therapist until 2025, helping individuals navigate life's challenges with empathy and expertise.
Personal Life
Michael married Jennifer in 2003, and together they have raised five wonderful children, who now range in age from 11 to 19. Reflecting on his family’s impact, Michael shares, “My family and children take up the bulk of my time, and I am grateful for their support. They have given me invaluable experience that strengthens my ability to help others as a counselor.”
