Hello! I admire your courage to begin the counseling process. I have over 13 years of experience as an independently licensed counselor. Over the years, I have had the humbling experience of listening to and empowering others to be a better version of themselves. I have worked with all ages including those who benefited from play therapy to those who reside in a nursing home. I have a blended approach to counseling based on the client's situational stressors. I have also provided counseling through the eyes of a Christian for those who desire to incorporate God into our sessions. My end goal in counseling is to empower individuals to break any identified cycle of dysfunction for the next generation of their family. I have a calm and empathetic approach and set solid boundaries with my clients. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you! Michelle Kessler, LPCC

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

I strive to help clients identify realistic long and short-term goals in treatment. I remind them that many of the challenges they discuss did not happen "overnight" so they will not change "overnight." At the end of each session, we summarize the progress they have made and create practical strategies, items to reflect on, and tools they can use between sessions. We also identify healthy and unhealthy ways of thinking about situational stressors and in time, begin to challenge negative thining errors.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (identifies and challenges thinking errors) Client-Centered Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have worked with a wide variety of individuals who have had challenges coping with depression, anxiety, bi-polar, grief and loss, marriage, parenting, sexuality, children, self-esteem, and many other topics.

About Michelle Kessler, LPCC