Press / Media Page

Professional Bio

Megan Gunnell, LMSW

Founder of the Thrive Advantage Group and Founder & Directors of The Thriving Well Institute, Psychotherapist, Writer, International Retreat Leader and Public Speaker working in Grosse Pointe, MI.  A leading expert in wellness, self-care and mindfulness, her work helps clients transform, restore and reach their highest potential.  A dynamic public speaker, she has presented and facilitated workshops and retreats globally in Finland and Costa Rica and nationwide most notably at the Bryant University Women’s Summit, Rhode Island, at Miraval Resort and Spa, Arizona, and at Red Mountain Resort, Utah.  With over 20 years experience in the healthcare and therapy industry, she has extensive clinical experience both inpatient and outpatient and a wealth of knowledge to support profound change and growth. She has hosted 5 international retreats in Costa Rica. She holds a BA from Michigan State University and a MSW from The University of Michigan.  She is also a graduate of the Harvard writing and publishing course for healthcare professionals and an advanced level fellow in Guided Imagery and Music from the Mid-Atlantic Institute.  She has an extensive background working in Complementary Medicine for diverse patient populations at medical centers such as the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, and Bon Secours Hospital. Currently, in her private practice work, she uses traditional talk therapy as well as mandala techniques, guided imagery and music, journaling, dream work, drumming and shamanic journey work to help her clients break through resistance and fully self-actualize.  She is currently writing a book for women about restoration, renewal and self-care.

Media contact info

 Past articles / publications and recordings

For all the latest Press CLICK HERE and check out the Thriving Well Institute Press Page.

  • Click the photo above to watch a presentation Megan gave on 10/03/18 to the Grosse Pointe Friends and Neighbors Women’s Club at the Country Club of Detroit on her secret recipe for success.
  • 5 Ways to Stop Panic in it’s Tracks – Happify – Article 
  • The Best Questions to Ask Yourself to Shift Your Perspective – Psych Central – Article 
  • The Every Day Blues Battle; Dysthymia – Esperanza Magazine in print and online – Article 
  • 9 Tiny Tweaks to Turn a Blah Day Around – Psych Central – Article 
  • How to Stop Being Critical of Others – UpJourney – Article 
  • When Nostalgia Becomes Disruptive – Modern Creative Life – Article 
  • 8 Clues Your Need for Control is Ruining Your Relationships – HealthiNation – Article
  • HOUR Detroit Magazine Featured Article, October 2018 Top Docs Issue – Article
  • Instrumental: When the Well is Dry – Modern Creative Life – Article 
  • 8 Little Life Lessons Everyone Could Learn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapists – HealthiNation – Article 
  • CLICK HERE for a YouTube video of Megan presenting
  • Radio Interview on 1540 WADK The Open Forum, Rhode Island with host Gail Alofsin.  CLICK HERE to listen to the podcast. Megan Gunnell starts at 26:30
  • Radio Interview on 910 AM Empower Radio, Detroit with Angela Moore
  • How to Deal with Depression as an Artist –  Artrepreneur – Article
  • How Saying No Can Impact Your Mental Health in a Good Way – Purple Carrot – Article
  • Warning signs of suicide and how to show support, Grosse Pointe News – Article
  • 250 Nurses Drum to Connect, Remo Inc. – Article
  • A Call For Calm; Mindfulness Strategies for a Happy, Healthy Life. – Video Presentation
  • Reaching In and Reaching Out During Times of Grief – Article
  • Starting the New Year Stress Free, Grosse Pointe News Article
  • Mandala drawing offers insight into our lives, provide therapeutic value, Macomb Daily, Macomb County, MI  – Article
  • Recordings of 6 original compositions for Harp and Guitar by Megan Gunnell, LMSW, MT-BC and John Steffenson, MT-BC
  • NPR “This I Believe” – Essay on NPR
  • Co-authored a book “End of Life Stories; Crossing Disciplinary Boundaries” – Publication
  • Prostate Cancer Survivor – Article