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 am a good listener and teach communication skills that can make a big difference in improving relationships with others. I am experienced in working with people who have anxiety, depression, chronic illness and mood disorders as I have been certified in DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) treatment. Sometimes we need a little help when life becomes too difficult to handle on our own. Looking at our problems from a different perspective can make a difference in becoming able to live a happier life harmoniously with our family and friends. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from JFK University in San Jose, CA. I live in Santa Cruz, CA, and have worked virtually with clients throughout Northern California for over 16 years.
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 in order to understand your goals for treatment. It is then important to take a look at one's family history to see how that might have impacted the problems that people are having today. I offer clients different perspectives to look at their issues with the utmost respect for your feelings about the situation. I have empathy for my clients and sincerely want to help them to resolve conflicts to live happier lives.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I specialize in working with people with mood disorders. 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. I look forward to helping you thrive.
About Reina M. Michelle
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
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 redesigned to help people with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and many other problems because it is so effective.
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 therapy is a type of counseling that helps clients find their own solutions to problems. The therapist is supportive 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 problems.
Couples Counseling
I received training in 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 a few couples in my practice improve their relationships. I am presently in an advanced program with relationship specialist Ester Perel who is wonderful in couples counseling. I am adding more tools to my tool chest on this subject. There are helpful skills that can be taught and if used assist in teaching better ways to communicate with each other.