Michelle Urizar is a licensed clinician with many years of experience working with individuals, couples, parents, and families of diverse backgrounds and walks of life. Throughout the years, she worked as a therapist, supervisor, and director across outpatient clinics, intensive programs, hospitals, treatment and inpatient facilities, child welfare, and community mental health agencies. She has supported many therapists with their path towards licensure while supporting their training and professional growth. Michelle is a 1st generation Latina that values culture, family and friendships. On her self-care time, she enjoys time with her family watching movies, shows, gaming, practicing yoga, as well as building her skill-set as a ceramic potter.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Achieving peace of mind is a worthwhile goal. You will feel seen, heard, and understood. I am not an expert in your life, you are. My mission is to support you to heal, grow, and get you to feel your balance. You can rest assured knowing that you are in a no judgment zone. How do you take moments in life to focus on the self - focus on how to increase self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-discovery? When was the last time you put yourself first in the daily grind of taking care of others?
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I use an authentic and genuine self to connect with people. I enjoy supporting clients, and love using my sense of humor to connect with people. I enjoy explaining things in a way that is meaningful to others, including using multimedia, visuals, examples, and metaphors for life. You will feel seen, heard, and understood. I am not an expert in your life, you are. My mission is to support you to heal and grow, to achieve your balance. You can rest assured knowing that you are in a no judgment zone. We will walk the walk together, not just talk the talk.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with individuals that want to partner with me towards building a healthier lifestyle. I truly appreciate individuals that let me know what works, what has not worked in the past, and that are willing to try something new. I bring creativity to therapy, and enjoy working with neurodiverse as well as neurotypical individuals.
About Michelle Urizar
Michelle Urizar offers therapy covered by CalViva Health (Medi-Cal), Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Net (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.
Identifies as
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Address
Appointments
Fully bookedMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established, evidence-based treatment approach that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to anxiety or depression. I support individuals identify and challenge distorted or maladaptive thoughts, practice behavioral activation, exposure therapy, skills-building, and goal-setting coupled with goal attainment.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
In Culturally-Sensitive Therapy, I recognize and respect the cultural backgrounds and identities of clients. I adapt therapeutic practices to be more responsive to the cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, and socio-economic factors that influence mental health and experience.
Trauma Informed Care
I integrate Trauma Informed Therapy into practice by understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of trauma on clients. I integrate TIC by increasing awareness of personal history that continues to impact a client's psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. The goal of TIC therapy is to provide care that acknowledges the presence of trauma, avoids retraumatization, and promotes healing.
Grief Therapy
Grief Therapy helps individuals cope with and navigate the emotional and psychological challenges associated with loss and bereavement. It addresses the complex process of grieving, which can involve a range of emotions, from sadness and anger to guilt and confusion. I support individuals process their grief, adjusting to life after the passing, and finding ways to move forward while honoring your loss. I also integrate other losses, including healing from the loss of health, mental health, loss of a relationship role, or loss of role mastery.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-based therapy incorporates mindfulness practices to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. I use this in session to cultivate present-moment awareness and promote a non-judgmental attitude toward one’s thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. I specialize in integrating sensory experiences, and support clients with increasing awareness of feeling overstimulated, or experiencing sensory overload.