Greetings! My name is Michelle.
It seems easy to go through life just getting by or surviving on what is familiar to you. But it doesn’t feel right in your heart, mind and soul; and you crave for something more for yourself. You just don’t know how to move away from the same old, same old or where to even begin.
I can help you with that.
Together, we will highlight the area that don’t connect with the life you want for yourself, work through any challenges that interfere with that movement and help you make the choices that best fit the quality of life you are wanting.
My Specialties
Your voice and experiences are important to me. No one knows you better than you.
What you share and identify as your goals will be at the center of our work together. I will be inclusive and thoughtful in the development a plan that speaks to your desire for improvement in your life.
I bring a lot of tools and experience into the therapy space to help support your progress.
I have my Bachelor’s and Masters’ Degree in Social Work , with a focus on Child and Family Needs. However, my primary work experience has been in the area of Addiction and Mental Health. I have received clinical supervision to help support my practices and enhance my state licensure status. I enhanced my clinical skill set by receiving substantial post graduate training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I continue to engage in therapeutic trainings in the areas of trauma treatment and mindfulness. And will continue to enhance my skills to continue to add tools to the work I do with you.
I have several years of experience in helping people with their unique life concerns.
My clinical background includes using a variety of person-centered techniques with those with chronic substance and behavioral addictions and adverse life events; improving emotion regulation, relationship skills, safety and emphasizing mindfulness self-compassion.
I have worked as a primary therapist, supervisor, program coordinator and adjunct college professor and engage in advocacy work in the community.
I am not only about work though. I enjoy quality time with friends, family and furry friends cooking, traveling, kayaking, hiking, and reading fantasy fiction.
My Approach to Therapy
Practice of Mindfulness and Self Compassion: Often times, we cannot fully understand or communicate how something impacts us, what we think of it, feel about it or even know how we truly think and feel about ourselves. I engage mindfulness into our work to sharpen your focus, identify unhelpful patterns, expand your choices, and apply self-compassion as needed.
Identifying Patterns: We are creatures of habits. Even when we don’t realize it, we engage in our world through learned repetitive patterns. If those patterns do not help support improved relationship communication, emotion regulation or truthful self talk, we will highlight and work together to change those patterns.
Skills Therapy: As we become more aware of the thoughts, emotions, self-deprecation or interpersonal challenges, I will provide options, education and practice with you skills to implement in your daily life for greater success in goal areas. We will review the success and challenges of these practices and find the fit for you in your progress forward.
Think we’re a good fit? Contact me today!