Kelly Michaud
I believe healing begins with feeling seen, heard, understood, and accepted. Whether you are navigating emotional challenges, relationship or family conflict, questions surrounding gender identity or sexuality, attachment and codependency concerns, or the effects of trauma, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. As a therapist, I bring compassion, curiosity, authenticity, and an affirming approach to the therapeutic relationship. I believe therapy should be collaborative and individualized, recognizing that healing looks different for everyone. I strive to meet you where you are, help you understand patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and empower you with tools to navigate emotions, establish healthy boundaries, and build more fulfilling relationships.
Be Yourself. Feel Accepted. Heal, Grow, and Thrive.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and diverse relationship structures navigating unhealthy or abusive relationship dynamics, attachment wounds, codependency, and unresolved trauma. I am particularly passionate about helping clients break unhealthy patterns, rebuild self-confidence, and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others. I also provide sex-positive, affirming care to sexually and relationally diverse populations, including polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous (ENM) relationships, as well as individuals and relationships involved in kink, BDSM, and consensual power exchange (CPE). My therapy space welcomes individuals, relationships, and families of all backgrounds, identities, sexual orientations, races, and cultures. You don't have to have everything figured out to begin. My hope is to help you heal from past hurts, navigate present challenges, reconnect with your strengths, and create a life that feels authentic, balanced, and fulfilling.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, begin building trust, and explore what brings you to therapy. We will talk about your current concerns, personal history, relationships, and what you hope to gain from counseling. This is also your time to ask questions and get a feel for whether we are a good fit. There is no pressure to have everything figured out or share more than you feel comfortable with. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and accepted. Together, we will begin identifying your goals and developing a plan that supports your individual needs and personal growth.
Strengths
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and relationships navigating unhealthy or abusive relationship dynamics, attachment wounds, codependency, emotional challenges, and unresolved trauma. I am particularly passionate about helping clients recognize and break unhealthy relational patterns, establish healthy boundaries, rebuild self-confidence, and develop a stronger, more secure relationship with themselves and others. I also work with sexually and relationally diverse individuals and relationships, including those who identify as polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous (ENM), as well as individuals and relationships involved in kink, BDSM, and consensual power exchange (CPE). As a sex-positive therapist, I approach conversations about sexuality, intimacy, and relationships with openness, respect, and without judgment. My therapeutic strengths include creating a trusting and nonjudgmental environment, helping clients navigate complex emotions, identifying unhealthy patterns and relational dynamics, and empowering individuals to recognize their strengths and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready to better understand themselves, navigate life's challenges, and create a greater sense of balance and fulfillment. They may be experiencing stress, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, life transitions, or relationship difficulties, or simply feel ready to focus on personal growth and becoming the best version of themselves. They may be looking to develop healthier coping skills, improve emotional regulation, build confidence, or find support through significant life changes, including perimenopause. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and diverse relationship structures who are open to self-exploration, personal growth, and meaningful change. I am particularly passionate about helping clients heal from past trauma, navigate unhealthy relationship patterns, strengthen attachment and communication, overcome codependency, establish healthy boundaries, and rebuild their sense of self-worth. I also welcome clients exploring questions of identity, sexuality, and relationship dynamics, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous (ENM) relationships, and those involved in kink, BDSM, and consensual power exchange. My ideal client values an open-minded, affirming, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where they can show up authentically. They don't need to have everything figured out or even know exactly where to begin. They simply need a willingness to explore, grow, and develop new ways of navigating life's challenges. Ultimately, I enjoy helping clients move beyond simply surviving and toward living with greater confidence, emotional balance, self-acceptance, and meaningful connection
Treatment methods
Trauma-Informed Care
I use a trauma-informed approach by prioritizing safety, trust, compassion, and empowerment in every therapeutic interaction. I recognize how past experiences can shape emotions, behaviors, and relationships, and in a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and in control of their healing journey. We move at your pace, honoring your experiences while building resilience, healthy coping skills, and a stronger sense of self.
Gender-affirming therapy
I use a gender-affirming approach by creating a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can openly explore and express their gender identity without fear of judgment or pressure. I honor each person's unique experience; respect their identity and pronouns; provide support through self-discovery, social or medical transitions; and navigating related emotional, relational, and life challenges. My goal is to empower clients to embrace their authentic selves and feel confident, accepted, and supported.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize and understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while developing healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies. I integrate CBT with other therapeutic approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and mindfulness to support self-awareness, emotional regulation, acceptance, and values-driven change. This flexible, collaborative approach helps clients challenge unhelpful patterns, build resilience, and develop practical skills they can apply in everyday life.
Location
Virtual sessions