Licensed to practice in California and accepts 29 insurances. Specializes in Couples Counseling, Family Conflict, Grief and 6 more.
Hello, I am Michele. Thank you for researching who I am and what I do. I am a very down to earth, caring, warm person, who wants to help others to have their best life possible. Everyone has times when they feel they are carrying much on their shoulders, and I see anyone who has a major life change, to someone that just feels they may need to talk. My therapy is open and calming, and I will listen to anyone that wants to better their life and their relationships with others.
Our first session is very easy going. We make sure that we are on the same page of what you are looking for in therapy, and I make sure I am appropriate for what you need. We get to know each other as people. After listening intently on your wants and needs, we work together to set goals for therapy and it is very much led by you! I help guide and ensure your comfort throughout this first session.
What makes me unique as a therapist is that I love to laugh and cry. I will be with you throughout any feeling you may have - and I have no agenda of my own. I know therapy is a serious process, although as humans we must connect in order to build trust and comfort. Then we can work towards your goals. I also incorporate skills as we talk, and people often walk away with a skill or two to try without realizing they were taught this in session. It is important to me that sessions feel comfortable and natural.
My current specialty is couples counseling. I also have years of experience in working with adolescents and adults. I am best to serve those that are going through family conflict (divorce, grief, etc), or need help to improve family relationships. With my experience with adolescents, I connect well with this age group, which could be difficult for some people. I am comfortable helping with parenting, and addressing anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $135 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
Evernorth
GTEB
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
Scripps Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I am an eclectic therapist who may use a variety or just some techniques that are appropriate for your needs. CBT is one that will help reframe negative thoughts and outlooks to find strengths and positive replacements to start changing how we respond and handle tough situations.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT in order to include mindfulness, help regulate emotions, tolerate when situations are tough and we are in distress, and lastly, to help with interpersonal relationships. There are times when we need to be assertive, or listen more, improving the relationships in our life.