Welcome! I am Reina Michelle, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in helping people who are going through difficult times in their lives. I work with "individuals only" to express their feelings and learn to communicate better with their partner and family. Patterns in stuck relationships can be changed with learned skills and empathy towards one another. All one needs is the desire to change old tired behaviors into new successful ones. I am licensed and have a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from JFK University in San Jose, CA. Life is too precious to put off your happiness and well-being any longer. Helping you to improve your life is important to me. It is truly an honor to meet you.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session we will discuss the issues that bring you to therapy and discuss your goals for treatment. It is important to take a look at one's family history first to see how that may have impacted problems that people are having today. I offer clients different perspectives in looking at their issues with understanding and the utmost respect for your feelings. I have empathy for people and sincerely want to help resolve their conflicts in order to live happier lives.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I specialize in working with people with mood disorders such as Bipolar and personality disorders and also have years of experience working with people with addictions. Coming from a mindfulness background I teach meditation skills to my clients in order to bring calmness into the lives of busy people who can benefit from it. I have special training and am certificated in DBT to better help people who have anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol dependence. My specialty is to work with individuals who have relationship problems using skills from Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy and Esther Perel. We are not all alike. The ability to listen carefully and respond in a helpful manner utilizing the skills necessary for each person to benefit from their problems is what my years of experience has helped me to do. I look forward to helping you thrive.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I specialize in working with "individuals" between the ages of 18-49 years old who are having relationship problems, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, chronic illness and drug and alcohol abuse problems. I have worked with men ages 18-49 experiencing communication issues and troubled relationships and would like to help many others. I am experienced in Couples Counseling but do not take insurance for these sessions. I take "fee for services" only due to poor insurance compensation which is unfortunate as it requires additional training.
About Reina M. Michelle
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have completed an extensive training course and have earned certification in DBT. It was originally designed for Borderline Personality patients and then was recognized as a valuable way to help people with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and many others. It is based on combining Mindfulness Training with CBT and and is highly regarded for its effectiveness in assisting people to obtain their goals.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT when it is beneficial for the client. CBT is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion) and how we act (behavior) all interact together. Specifically, our thoughts determine our feelings and our behavior. It is useful in helping people with many kinds of problems such as anxiety, depression, and many others.
Attachment-based
I received additional training from my master's program at JFK University in Campbell, CA. to help people with issues resulting from attachment disorder from childhood where there was a lack of connection between parent and child relationships that has caused problems throughout life.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-centered therapy also known as Rogerian therapy can assist people in finding solutions to their problems. The therapist is supportive in this model but non-authoritative, and the client takes the lead in each session. The therapist's expertise is secondary to the client's ability to solve their own problems. The therapists job is to collaborate, empathize, and help you to make better choices in your life's decisions. You know yourself better than anyone else does and we are here to support you.
Couples Counseling
I received training in John Gottman from my master's program at JFK University in Campbell, CA, and have used this method for many years to help mainly individuals and couples to improve their communication with each other and improv their relationships. I am presently in an advanced program with relationship specialist Ester Perel who is highly admired in her approach with for couples. I am adding tools to my tool chest on this subject. There are methods to teach people to communicate better that can be effective if learned and practiced. I do not accept insurance for couples counseling however. Please inquire if you are interested in fee for services.