Hi! I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and registered professional clinical counselor. I received my master's degree from Point Loma Nazarene University and have six years' experience working with children, adolescents, TAY (Transitional aged youth), and adults. My experience bridges mobile crisis interventions, short term and long-term residential treatment programs, school-based counseling programs, adult drug court substance programs, and behavioral health centers.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our initial session, we will begin with introductions, provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions, and then delve into the reasons you are seeking therapy, what has been beneficial for you previously, and your objectives for therapy. This approach will enable us to work together to develop a customized treatment plan for subsequent sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I hold the belief that each individual is unique and the foremost authority on their own life experiences. In my practice, I offer a secure environment to freely explore emotions with unconditional positive regard and without judgment, welcoming every aspect of oneself into the therapeutic space.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I take pleasure in offering psychoeducation on mental health, particularly concerning anxiety and depression. My clients seek immediate relief and aim to enhance their functioning in affected areas. I believe that knowledge is essential for healing.
About Michele Bussell, MA, LMFT/APCC
Michele Bussell, MA, LMFT/APCC offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (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.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Eclectic
While the reasons for seeking therapy may be common, I understand that each individual is unique. As an integrative therapist, I tailor therapy to the individual's needs. My approach is client-centered, characterized by empathy, reflective listening, and unconditional positive regard. This means: • The client is considered the expert on their own experience. • The client is recognized as doing their best with the resources available to them. • The client is encouraged to explore their feelings without judgment, allowing their whole self to engage in the process. I employ evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to illustrate the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and the capacity to experience dual emotions without being overwhelmed by them. Additionally, I utilize Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Brainspotting to address unresolved issues.