Michelle Kempf
Hello! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Virginia. I received my Masters from Virginia Commonwealth University and have been practicing for 9 years. I'm passionate about assisting adults that are struggling with anxiety, OCD, and depression, with making tangible changes in their lives.
I'm passionate about assisting adults that are struggling with anxiety, OCD, and depression, with making tangible changes in their lives.
Our work together will feel different than typical "talk therapy' and will include clarification of goals and values, education, skill development, and exposures...all with a heavy dose of self compassion.
First session
During our work together you will develop evidence based strategies to manage intrusive thoughts, withstand anxiety, and reclaim your time, energy, and attention.
Strengths
Having worked in the mental health field for the past 17 years, I've developed winning strategies for helping you reclaim your life from anxiety, OCD, and depression. I'm passionate about assisting others with increasing self compassion and feelings of empowerment which leads to lasting change.
Ideal clients
Are stress and anxiety negatively impacting in your life? Do you frequently feel stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts and have difficulty being present and engaged? Perhaps you've been avoiding activities that you want/need to do, and notice that your comfort zone gets smaller and smaller? If you feel that your life is being controlled by fear, worry, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, or repetitive/compulsive behaviors, please know that there is hope!
Treatment methods
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
You are unique, and your therapy for OCD should be, too — while also being based on research. I will customize a four-phase OCD treatment program based on your needs to help you win back your life from OCD. Phase 1: Assessing and monitoring of OCD symptoms and severity using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and other assessments. Phase 2: Preparing for exposure and response prevention using education and cognitive therapy, including: -Changing the game that OCD is playing, creating rules to make it easier for you to win! Phase 3: Working on exposure and response prevention exercises with you in session/reviewing homework exposures. -Incorporating winning strategies to maximize effectiveness and increase motivation. Phase 4: Maintaining Progress -Developing a follow-up plan for relapse prevention
Location
Virtual sessions