Hello, I am Michele Gunter, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have worked for over 24 years as a LCSW. I have a wealth of experience helping people from ages 5-85 with issues such anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, mood disorders, OCD, and many more issues. I focus on meeting my client where they are and helping them gain insight, understanding, self-discovery, and healing. My goals is to empower you to free yourself from the patterns that hinder your well-being, fostering resilience, and a renewed sense of self.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session is usually information gathering and trying to get to know one another. We will discuss the challenges you are facing and solutions you have tried in the past. Also, expectations of me as a therapist will be discussed. We will together create a treatment plan consisting of of goas and objective you want to obtain during your healing journey.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have over 25 years of experience in the field, and have worked closely with clients who have a multitude of challenges. I am able to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and comfortable environment which allows for a strong therapeutic rapport. I think meeting a client where they are, actively listening to their story, and validating their thoughts and feelings are major components of the therapeutic process. I feel it's a privilege and honor to be able to walk someone through their healing journey.
About Michele Gunter
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for over 20 years in my practice. CBT is rooted in the belief that our thought's, feeling, and behaviors are interconnected. By identifying and challenging our maladaptive thought patterns, we can effect positive change in our lives.
Christian Counseling
My faith in Christ has always provided me grounding during difficulties and uncertainties of life. If clients are interested, I can integrate faith-based counseling into the therapeutic journey. Bringing your faith forward and allowing it to recenter you can be extremely empowering.
Attachment-based
I have found your attachment style explains a lot about who you are and how you behave. By learning the "why" behind some of your behaviors we can work together to help you reach your goals.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have found ACT to be very helpful to clients in many ways. Clients learn to stop avoiding, denying, and struggling with their inner emotions and instead accept that these deeper feelings are appropriate responses to certain to situations that should not keep them from moving forward in their lives. With this understanding, clients begin to accept their hardships and commit to making necessary changes in their lives, regardless of what is going on in their lives and how they feel about it. I have used ACT with clients with various issues. There are six core processes that promote psychological flexibility: Acceptance, Cognitive Deffusion, Being Present, Self as Context, Values, and Committed Actions.
Eclectic
I use Eclectic Therapy quite a bit, because it gives me flexibility in the type of approaches I use with my clients. Using Eclectic therapy allows myself and my client to tailor the therapeutic process to meet the specific needs of my client.