It can be hard to know where to turn for help when you start to recognize that something is off in your life. My goal as a therapist is to help you get to the source of your distress and start seeing positive change. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Utah and California and have been providing therapy services for over 5 years to children ages 5 and up, adolescents, and adults. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are dealing with a range of difficult issues. I am very client-centered in my approach, letting you lead the way in determining your goals and direction, and I use a variety of evidence-based modalities depending on your individual needs. I am intimately familiar with the devastating impact that abuse and other adverse experiences can have on your life. Your sense of safety, trust in others, core beliefs, and even your faith can be shaken and may even seem to be destroyed. I have been trained and certified in trauma treatment in order to effectively help you overcome these experiences. My other areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, foster care/adoption issues, addictive behaviors, self-harm, self-esteem, stress management, domestic violence (perpetrators and victims), relationships, anger management, and sexual abuse. If you are struggling to move forward in your life, I would consider it a privilege to assist you with your unique healing process.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we will do introductions and discuss what led to you seeking therapy. We will talk about symptoms you are experiencing and/or challenges you are facing and what your goals are with therapy. If we decide that we are a good fit, we will identify a plan to get you the help you seek.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I use a variety of treatment methods in my practice. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one that most clients do well with, and with this, we will explore your thought patterns and beliefs about yourself and others that may be contributing to symptoms such as depression and anxiety and learn to assess and challenge them. In dialectical-behavioral therapy, we will learn skills to manage intense emotions. In acceptance and commitment therapy, we take a values-focused approach to help you live a more committed and satisfying life. I also use art therapy, somatic experiencing, mindfulness and grounding, and a variety of other evidence-based techniques.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I take a relationship-based approach to my work and am able to provide you with a safe space to learn and grow. My clients frequently tell me they feel comfortable talking to me and feel like I truly understand what they are experiencing. If you prefer, I can provide faith-based counseling where we can implement your religious beliefs (regardless of faith) into your sessions.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with adults of all ages who are seeking change and motivated to implement new skills and new ways of thinking. I also enjoy working with children and adolescents who are struggling navigating through strong emotions, trauma, and self-esteem issues.
About Michelle Beames
Michelle Beames offers therapy covered by Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal), CalViva Health (Medi-Cal), Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Net (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.