Michelle Coral
I am a NJ-licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor who provides compassionate, virtual therapy for adults, adolescents, and families. With over 10 years of experience, I support clients navigating anxiety, life transitions, grief, trauma, emotional challenges, and substance use or co-occurring concerns. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you can feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. My approach integrates evidence-based strategies, including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based therapy, to help you better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical tools that you can use in everyday life. I earned my Master of Social Work from Rutgers University and provide therapy in both English and Spanish. Whether you are navigating a difficult transition, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, processing a loss, or working toward meaningful change, I will meet you where you are and support you at a pace that feels manageable. My goal is to help you gain greater clarity, recognize your strengths, and feel more confident moving forward
First session
Your first session is an opportunity to feel comfortable, heard, and understood. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, and what you hope to gain from treatment. I’ll also gather important background and clinical information to better understand your needs and how I can support you. Most importantly, there is no pressure to have everything figured out—we’ll take the time to get to know each other and begin at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Strengths
I bring warmth, compassion, and a nonjudgmental approach to every session. I work collaboratively to understand each person’s unique needs, strengths, and goals while offering practical, evidence-based tools that can be applied in everyday life. My goal is to create a space where people feel comfortable being themselves, gaining new perspectives, and making meaningful changes at their own pace.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready to better understand themselves, work through challenges, and make meaningful changes in their life. I support people navigating anxiety, life transitions, grief, trauma, relationships, or recovery who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of where to begin. Whether you’re looking for practical coping tools, greater clarity, or simply a safe space to feel heard, I’m here to support you at your own pace.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we’ll identify patterns that may be contributing to stress or feeling stuck and work toward more balanced and helpful ways of thinking and responding. I also incorporate practical CBT strategies that you can use in everyday life to manage challenges, build confidence, and create meaningful change.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT to help you better understand and manage your emotions, cope with difficult situations, and strengthen relationships. Together, we’ll build practical skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication. These skills can help you respond to challenges more effectively, feel more in control, and navigate everyday life with greater confidence.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing to help you explore your goals, strengths, and readiness for change in a supportive, nonjudgmental way. Rather than telling you what you should do, we’ll work together to identify what matters most to you and what may be getting in the way. This approach can help you build confidence, strengthen motivation, and take meaningful steps toward the changes you want to make.
Trauma Informed Care
I use a trauma-informed approach by creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard and respected. We’ll work at a pace that feels comfortable for you while recognizing how past experiences can influence thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. My goal is to support you in building a greater sense of safety, understanding, and control while developing healthy ways to cope and move forward.
Location
Virtual sessions