(she/her)
New to Grow
I’m Michelle, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I’d describe my style as proactive, personable, and engaged. Therapy with me is deep and meaningful work, but I also value connection and humor. Sometimes laughter naturally shows up in session, and I see it as part of the healing process. I have 13 years of experience in social work, including child welfare and trauma-focused work, which has shaped me into a grounded, direct therapist focused on helping clients feel supported while creating real change. I specialize in working with individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression, especially when past experiences feel unresolved or continue to show up in the present.
Ever had someone ask you a lot of questions? That’ll be me in our first session; but don’t worry, it’s not an interrogation. I’ll guide the conversation to get a full picture of you: what’s working, what’s not, and what’s brought you here. You’re always in control of what you share, and we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable. We might talk about everything from pets (important, of course) to your relationship with your parents. It’s all part of understanding your story so we can figure out what actually helps you move forward.
What stands out in my approach is the balance of being personable and professional. I want you to feel comfortable while also staying focused on meaningful change.
I often work with clients who come in feeling like, “Nothing has really worked for me so far.” If that resonates, you’re not alone—and it’s often the point where deeper, more structured work can begin. If you’re feeling stuck in fight, flight, or freeze responses, or living with constant hypervigilance, my goal is to help you better understand these patterns. Together, we work on building the skills to regulate your nervous system so you can move toward a more grounded and sustainable way of living. I work best with clients who are open, reflective, and ready to engage in change with a growth mindset.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a core approach I was primarily trained in during my master’s program and continue to use in my work. It focuses on how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected and how changing one can shift the others.
EMDR
I am a trained EMDR therapist, having completed training through the Institute for Creative Mindfulness in 2025, with additional training in panic disorder and CPTSD through EMDRIA-related coursework. I am currently working toward EMDR certification and continuing to build my expertise in this area.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an approach I use that focuses on skills like radical acceptance, boundaries, and “wise mind” (balancing emotion and logic). I use DBT-informed tools to help clients regulate emotions, strengthen relationships, and manage stress more effectively.
Trauma Informed Care
I take a trauma-informed approach, helping you understand how past experiences shape current reactions, triggers, and patterns.
Polyvagal Therapy
I also incorporate Polyvagal Theory to help you understand how your nervous system responds to stress, triggers, and relationships. We’ll identify patterns like fight, flight, or shutdown and build awareness so you can better regulate your responses and feel more grounded and in control day to day.