(she/her)
Hi, I’m Michele! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) providing therapy services in Texas and Utah. I have been in private practice for over 10 years and I can see you in person or virtually. My practice philosophy is rooted in the strengths perspective, where we highlight how you have survived and build on your unique resilience to help you thrive. I treat my clients with respect and compassion and listen carefully with empathy to your problems. I will hold a safe and confidential space for you to share your inner most thoughts and feelings. We will work together to help you become aware of your thoughts and feelings about a problem, and how to look at those problems in different, more manageable ways. Rather than adopting only one methodology for all individuals and issues, I draw from a variety of methods that are most effective for each individual and situation.
Please schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for working together. Your first intake therapy session is 50 minutes long and it is a time for you and me to get to know each other more and establish a good therapeutic relationship. The session's goals are to set expectations and determine if I am a good fit for your needs. During the session, I may ask you questions about your current symptoms, your life, your medical and mental health, and what brought you to therapy. I may also ask you about: Your symptoms When you think problems may have started What steps you've taken to feel better Your hopes for treatment Your past experiences with therapy Your coping strategies Any physical symptoms related to your situation I will also share my background and qualifications, explain my confidentiality policy, and discuss my therapeutic orientation. I will summarize what you've shared and provide feedback. You may also need to complete additional forms. It is recommend prioritizing big topics early in the session, and not waiting until the end to share them.
What sets my approach apart is the combination of deep cultural sensitivity, practical strategies, and a strong therapeutic alliance. I bring warmth, clarity, and calm presence into each session, creating a space where clients feel safe to be honest, vulnerable, and empowered. I draw from evidence-based methods—including cognitive-behavioral, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches—but I tailor each session to the individual in front of me. I believe in meeting clients where they are, honoring their lived experiences, and building a path forward together. Clients often tell me they feel truly seen and heard in our work. They appreciate how I help them untangle complex issues, develop insight, and take meaningful, manageable steps toward their goals. Whether we’re working through anxiety, identity questions, systemic challenges, or emotional healing, I stay committed to being a steady guide who brings both heart and skill to the process.
I work best with individuals who are ready for change—even if they’re not sure where to start. My ideal clients are curious, open-minded, and willing to explore the deeper layers of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They may be navigating life transitions, recovering from trauma, managing anxiety, or working through identity and cultural challenges. Many are seeking greater clarity, confidence, and alignment in their personal or professional lives. I’m especially attuned to clients who have felt unseen or unheard in other spaces—whether due to language barriers, cultural differences, or past experiences with systems that didn’t reflect their values. My work is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and respect for each person’s unique story. Whether you’re coming in with a specific goal or a general sense that something needs to shift, I offer a grounded, supportive environment to help you move forward with intention.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one type of counseling that focuses on how we think and act. CBT teaches us to recognize negative thoughts and behaviors, and then replace them with more balanced thoughts.
(DBT) is a type of talk therapy for people who experience emotions very intensely. It’s a common therapy for people with borderline personality disorder, but therapists provide it for other mental health conditions as well.
Trauma therapy, also known as trauma-informed therapy, helps adults cope with the emotional response to a traumatic event. It can help people process their trauma, manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and learn new coping mechanisms. Trauma therapy can also help reduce or eliminate traumatization
Feminist therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the challenges women face due to bias, stereotyping, and other factors, and how these stressors can negatively affect their mental health. It's based on the idea that a person's health is linked to their identity in their social and cultural contexts, as well as the political climate they live in.