Therapist in Naperville, Illinois Michelle Harthun, Therapist

Michelle Harthun, LCSW, helps children, adolescents, teens, adults, and older adults throughout Illinois navigate emotional challenges with compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based care. As a therapist at LifeStance Health, she provides individual therapy for people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, while also supporting clients facing a variety of additional mental health concerns. Michelle creates a grounded and supportive therapeutic environment where patients can explore difficult emotions, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with a greater sense of self-understanding and resilience. Michelle is especially passionate about inner child healing, guided meditation and guided imagery, and Internal Family Systems-informed work. She believes many emotional struggles are rooted in experiences that deserve compassion, attention, and deeper exploration rather than judgment. Her approach helps patients better understand the different parts of themselves, process unresolved experiences, and develop healthier patterns in relationships, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. She integrates mindfulness and reflective practices to support healing in a way that feels collaborative, calming, and personalized to each individual’s goals. Since beginning her practice in 2016, Michelle has worked with individuals across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, teens, adults, and seniors. She has experience supporting patients with PTSD and trauma, grief, and ADHD, while also treating additional concerns related to mood, identity, and behavioral health. Her therapeutic style incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based approaches. Michelle also has experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community and military veterans, helping patients feel seen and respected within the therapeutic process. Michelle values creating meaningful therapeutic relationships built on trust, authenticity, and emotional safety. She understands that seeking therapy can feel vulnerable, and she strives to meet each patient with warmth, patience, and clinical insight while helping them move toward lasting emotional wellness and personal growth. Outside of her clinical work, Michelle enjoys reading, spending time with animals, and riding horses. These interests reflect the calm, present-centered approach she brings into therapy and her belief in the importance of connection, reflection, and balance.