New to Grow
My name is Michele. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 22 years of experience. I am licensed in the state of Louisiana by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners. I grew up near the New Orleans area in a small town called Luling. I graduated from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux Louisiana and Tulane University in New Orleans.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Let me show you how to move from feeling powerless to feeling in control. It’s normal to seek help. Helping people uncover what creates a life filled with joy is my passion. I look forward to walking beside you in your journey. In the first session, you can expect to complete an intake or a biopsychosocial assessment with me in a video or in person session.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths as a therapist include my ability to challenge my clients to do difficult work, my sense of humor, and my own experiences. I find so many therapists who have not done their own work. I want to show up as authentic to my clients in every session. I allow my client to be the leader or the expert.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal client is focused on personal growth and healing. Many clients see the process of therapy as a one sided conversation with little opportunity to see others as real people. I am solution oriented while believing that therapy can be a challenging, changing, enjoyable process where clients can experience themselves in new ways. Therapy does not have to be painful. Calling a therapist can be intimidating. Please take a moment to do something for yourself to see how I can help. Often, I hear clients express how they are in fear of losing everything and want to change but don’t know how.
EMDR
I am fully trained in the 8 phase/3 pronged approach to integrate for mind/body healing.
Narrative
I was trained to start where a client is and will alllow them to be the "narrators" of their own stories in the therapy room.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I have worked with several EAP providers to find short term solutions to clients questions. SInce my therapeutic style is best described as collaborative, I find this method effective with clients.
Psychoeducation
Many times I hear from clients that providers do not take the time to educate them regarding their diagnosis or medications. I think this is important as a therapist for a client to understand their diagnosis in order to guide their decision making.
Supportive
I need to come in without an agenda or expectations of my client. In my years in the community mental health setting and corporate worlds, I was forced to do what the agency thought was best for my client as if they didn't have a say in their own treatment process. What I enjoy about working for myself is that my clients have more of a voice in their treatment.