(she/her)
New to Grow
Im Michelle, I would describe myself as a proactive and personable therapist. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. While we get into the very serious work, people will often walk by my door and hear me laughing with clients. I have a sense of humor and know when to use it. I believe it helps heal. I come from a trauma background, working as a child welfare social worker. The 13 years I have spent as a social worker has shaped me into the therapist that I am today. I love to work with trauma (weird thing to say, right?) and the outcomes I have seen from it keep me doing this work. Im best for those looking to heal open or reopening wounds or nagging anxiety and depression.
Ever had someone ask you a bunch of questions? Thats going to be me on our first session. There will not be any stress to elaborate, unless you want to. I try to put the whole person into perspective; what works for you what doesn't/didn't work for you. From, do you have pets? Do you like pets? To, what was your mom like? How would you describe your relationship with her?
What stands out about my approach is humor, being personable and but above all else, professionalism. I want you to feel comfortable in our sessions but also be able to reel it in and get to the deeper work. I would say that I am direct when I need to be. I integrate a lot of modalities into the EMDR work. So we may be working on a traumatic event, but I also want to speak to that inner child or challenge a thought. Ive seen great healing with people through this eclectic approach.
I often hear my clients state "Nothing has worked for me". That is where I come in to help with poly-vagal theory and EMDR work. I have found it to work great with my anxious, depressed and traumatized clientele. I can also take those who experience grief and loss, and sexual/physical/emotional abuse.The best client is going to be the one who lets me get in the dirt with them to sift around and try to solve the problems. I respect vulnerability and thrive on that collaborative work and client relationship.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This was the modality I was trained in during my masters program, so I defer to it a lot. It's the idea that our thoughts, feelings and actions all interact with one another. I help you explore if you're lacking in one of those areas or how one may be affecting the other. This modality is great for depression and anxiety.
EMDR
I am a trained EMDR therapist, having completed my training through the Institute of Creative Mindfulness in 2025. I am currently in the process of being certified and hopefully progressing onto being a consultant. EMDR involves bilateral movements in order to get "Unstuck" from emotional memories. I use this method with those who have panic disorder, PTSD, grief, anxiety and depression.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I add in a lot of DBT work through radical acceptance techniques, exploring boundaries and understanding our wise mind. I was self educated on this modality through Pesi trainings.
Trauma Informed Care
I work a lot within the trauma scope, understanding how triggers interact and influence our polyvagal nervous system. When we understand our nervous system, it can help us to navigate it more and have more control.
Polyvagal Therapy
Ill help you to map our your nervous system and see patterns within it. I work a lot within the trauma scope, understanding how triggers interact and influence our polyvagal nervous system. When we understand our nervous system, it can help us to navigate it more and have more control.