Michelle Croyle, host of the Mental Health for Christian Women podcast

Michelle Croyle empowers Christian women to heal through faith

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At nearly 50, Michelle Croyle found personal healing, spiritual calling and a deep commitment to empower Christian women through counseling.

Her work blends clinical expertise with faith-based insight to help clients overcome trauma, anxiety and self-condemnation. Michelle’s story is one of reinvention and resilience. It is a journey which shows how healing paired with divine grace can lead to a life of abundant freedom.

A call from the beginning

Michelle’s path to counseling began long before she earned her license. As a high school senior browsing a Christian college catalog, she discovered a major in behavioral science that immediately resonated with her.

At that moment, she sensed an early pull toward understanding human behavior and the complexities of the heart. Although she later pursued communications and journalism, fields where storytelling and empathy are needed, the call to help others never faded.

Her early work as a freelance writer taught her the art of listening and reporting – skills that would later prove invaluable in counseling. Even while building her journalism career, Michelle felt that her true purpose lay in guiding people toward healing and recovery.

Eventually, this inner voice led her to pursue a master’s degree in professional counseling. Balancing her studies with homeschooling her children, Michelle dedicated herself to this new calling and set the stage for work she enjoys today.

The road to healing

Michelle’s journey was deeply influenced by personal struggles. She experienced narcissistic abuse during her youth, a painful chapter that later manifested as panic attacks and deep-seated anxiety.

At the age of 32, while pregnant with her second child, Michelle took the first step on her healing journey and sought out therapy. That’s when a counselor recommended a book as a resource.  Although she can’t remember the name of the book, Michelle fell in love with learning again, and her passion for it hasn’t stopped.

“I knew I needed something more,” she explained.

The experience spurred Michelle to return to academics and complete a master’s program in counseling. Thirteen years later, armed with a license and a renewed sense of purpose, she opened her private practice in 2019.

Michelle’s personal trials gave her a unique empathy for people she helps. That makes her a compassionate guide for women seeking to overcome their own challenges.

Embracing the mission

Rather than opening her practice to all, Michelle chose to focus on Christian women. It was a decision shaped by her own experiences and professional observations.

“I realized I really didn’t like working with people who wouldn’t do the work needed to go through the process,” she explained.

In her view, the counseling room is a sacred space where accountability meets compassion. Clients are encouraged to acknowledge their struggles, but work earnestly toward healing.

Michelle’s education includes studies at two Bible schools, which provided her with a rich perspective on how faith intersects with the healing process. Whether her clients grapple with guilt, self-condemnation or the burden of past hurts, she is convinced the Holy Spirit is present in each session.

“Sometimes I’m not even sure I’m saying anything profound,” she said. “Then suddenly, an ‘aha moment’ occurs, and I know it isn’t just me; it’s the Holy Spirit guiding the conversation.”

Her approach to Christian counseling goes beyond offering advice. It is an invitation to experience transformation through divine grace. By reassuring clients they are loved and redeemed by God, Michelle helps them see that healing is possible.

The power of the holy spirit

In a world where many therapeutic approaches can feel impersonal, her practice stands out for its spiritual foundation.

“If you’re not partnering with the Holy Spirit, you’re missing a key element,” she explains. “Each session can be a sacred encounter where God’s love and truth help break through long-held fears.”

A significant part of her work involves distinguishing between condemnation and correction. While some counselors focus solely on identifying and fixing behavior, Michelle emphasizes the importance of grace.

“We need to forgive without excusing harmful behavior,” she notes. “True healing comes from acknowledging pain and moving forward on a path that honors both justice and mercy.”

Her sessions incorporate techniques such as EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), somatic experiencing, and parts work ego state. Those methods, when combined with spiritual insight, address not only the symptoms of trauma, but also the deeper emotional wounds which affect mind, body and spirit.

Modernizing therapy

Even before the COVID pandemic reshaped the world, Michelle embraced technology to reach people in need. Recognizing that many of her clients are busy mothers juggling work and family, or individuals with limited local options, she transitioned her counseling practice to an online format.

“I was one of the few counselors who believed trauma therapy could be done effectively online,” she recalled.

This proactive approach allowed her to continue serving clients during challenging times without missing a beat.

Virtual therapy has expanded her reach and made counseling more accessible. Clients join sessions from the comfort of their homes without the stress of commuting. Whether they are holding a baby, squeezing in a session between work and family responsibilities, or finding a quiet moment in their car, the digital format fits their busy lives.

In addition to one-on-one sessions, Michelle uses podcasting as a tool to extend her message. Her podcast, “Mental Health for Christian Women,” was revived after a rocky start when her daughter reminded her that people needed to hear her voice.

The podcast now plays a vital role in sharing insights, testimonies and practical advice with a broader audience.

Transforming lives

The true impact of Michelle’s work is seen in the transformative moments experienced by her clients. Many arrive burdened by self-condemnation and the trauma of past experiences. Through her guidance, they discover healing is not a distant promise, but a reality that can be embraced now.

“They already have the victory,” Michelle explained. “I simply help clients uncover that truth and reshape their view of themselves.”

Michelle’s approach goes beyond managing symptoms. In every session, she emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of active participation in the healing process.

Clients learn to break the cycle of self-blame and embrace the liberating truth of God’s unconditional love. That blend of accountability and grace distinguishes her practice and offers a holistic path to recovery.

Whether through intensive in-person sessions in Pennsylvania or online workshops, her mission remains to equip Christian women with the tools they need to reclaim their lives.

A message to the over-50 community

Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder that purpose and passion do not fade with age.

“Don’t count yourself out,” she urged. “It doesn’t matter your age or what you think you can do. So much can happen in a short amount of time.”

She advises people over 50 to follow the threads of joy and meaning, which have often been present since childhood, and pursue them with determination.

Michelle’s own journey is proof that small beginnings, nurtured by faith and persistence, can lead to significant transformation.

Once a freelance writer and dedicated homemaker, she reinvented her career by answering a call that had been with her for years.

“Whether you are seeking a new passion, considering a career change or simply longing for a deeper sense of purpose, now is the time to act,” said Michelle. “If you’re not sure what it is, just take a stab at it. Look at the things that bring you joy and then do something with them.”

Her life challenges the notion that reinvention belongs only to the young. Experience, wisdom and faith combine to create a powerful platform for change.

For anyone who feels their best years are behind them, Michelle’s journey offers hope and inspiration – and a reminder that every day holds the potential for renewal.

Looking forward

Michelle’s work does not end with counseling and podcasting. Her creative spirit drives her to explore other avenues of ministry. She is working on a book about anxiety, and a parenting title is also in the planning stages.

“I have a few books in the pipeline,” she explained. “Projects that were started years ago are now being revisited with fresh energy and purpose.”

In addition, Michelle has developed digital products available on Amazon, including a prayer journal and a daily goal tracking journal designed specifically for women. These tools encourage reflection, gratitude and spiritual growth while reinforcing principles which guide her counseling practice.

Plans are also underway to expand her in-person offerings. Michelle is preparing to launch intensive, face-to-face sessions in Pennsylvania. These programs will offer clients a concentrated healing experience over several days, combining trauma-informed therapy with spiritual guidance.

A life of abundant freedom

Michelle’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, resilience and a willingness to embrace one’s calling. Her work as a counselor, podcaster and author is driven by personal experience and the deep conviction that every person can transform their life.

Through her compassionate approach, she helps Christian women overcome trauma, break free from self-condemnation, and discover the abundant freedom promised by God.

“Healing is not a distant dream, but a reality available to those who are willing to do the work,” she explained.

Michelle’s story is an invitation to trust the process of healing and to embrace the potential that every new day holds. Her unwavering commitment to helping others serves as a powerful reminder that no matter where you are in life, there is always hope for renewal and the promise of abundant freedom.

For more information

People can connect with Michelle on a variety of platforms, including:

Her podcast, “Mental Health for Christian Women – Empowering Your Freedom from the Effects of Trauma, Anxiety, Negative Thoughts, and Relationship Issues,” is available on Spotify, Apple and other distribution sites.

Michelle’s “Prayer Journal” and “Goal-Getting Journal” are available on Amazon.

As a product offering based on her podcast, Michelle created a SHINE subscription to support Christian women with mental health, spiritual and community resources on a weekly basis. More information can be found at www.mentalhealthforchristianwomen.com/page/my-page.

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