Michelle Santana
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who’s passionate about helping people feel more grounded, seen, and supported in their everyday lives. I’ve worked with kids, teens, and adults in schools, outpatient clinics, and intensive outpatient programs. I also run my own private practice, Embrace Your Pace Counseling, where I focus on helping clients move at a pace that feels right for them. I’m bilingual (English/Spanish) and bring a warm, down-to-earth, and culturally sensitive approach to therapy. My goal is to create a space where you can feel safe being your full self, without judgment.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In a first session, clients can expect a mix of sharing and getting comfortable. I’ll ask questions to learn more about you, your background, and what brought you to therapy. We’ll talk about your goals and what you’d like to get out of our work together, but there’s no pressure to have it all figured out. By the end of the session, most clients leave feeling a bit lighter from having shared their story, and with a clearer idea of what therapy with me will look like moving forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I meet clients with warmth, curiosity, and respect for their pace. What makes my approach unique is the mix of trauma informed care with practical skills and deeper insight. Therapy with me is about more than talking. It is about feeling supported, gaining clarity, and walking away with strategies that actually work in your daily life.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I support teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, grief, burnout, and big life transitions. My style is compassionate and practical, giving you both understanding and tools you can use in daily life.
Location
VirtualMy treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
I create a safe, supportive space that honors your story and helps you heal at a pace that feels right for you.
Experiential Therapy
I use interactive and real-time practices to help you connect with your emotions and experience change in the moment.
Strength-Based
I focus on what is strong, not just what feels wrong, helping you build confidence and resilience.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I help you explore different “parts” of yourself with curiosity and compassion so you can feel more balanced and whole.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I provide practical tools for managing emotions, coping with stress, and building healthier relationships.