I’m Michelle L. King, LCSW, a therapist specializing in trauma-informed care. I provide a compassionate and safe space for individuals to heal from childhood trauma, anxiety, and depression. My approach is holistic and strengths-focused, helping you build resilience and find practical solutions for lasting positive change. I am a Positive Psychology Clinical Social Worker and an Addiction specialist based in Georgia. Many of my clients come in to address depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, relationships, and/or to figure life out, personal values, and desired directions to go in life. I am particularly passionate about serving clients who feel they are alone in figuring out this world. I received my MSW from the University of Georgia (UGA): I am a DAWG :). I have provided services for individuals with substance use disorders and other common disorders, such as trauma, family relations, depression, anxiety, learning emotions, and Grief. I am passionate about the world being a kinder place, I strive to ensure every person I encounter leaves being/feeling better than before.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment where we’ll begin to get to know each other. This session is all about you—I’ll listen as you share what’s bringing you to therapy, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve. We’ll explore your personal history, including any past experiences that might be relevant to your current situation. I’ll also explain my therapeutic approach, answer any questions you might have, and discuss how we can work together to meet your goals. This initial session is about building a foundation of trust and understanding, setting the stage for a collaborative and supportive journey. By the end of the session, you should feel more comfortable with the process and have a clearer sense of how therapy can help you move forward.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider lie in my ability to deeply connect with and understand my clients, creating a therapeutic environment that is both safe and nonjudgmental. I bring a strong sense of empathy to my work, which allows clients to feel truly seen and heard as they navigate their healing journeys. One of my key strengths is my trauma-informed approach. I recognize the profound impact that trauma can have on an individual’s life, and I tailor my methods to meet each client where they are, ensuring that they feel supported and understood. This approach is not just about addressing the symptoms of trauma but about helping clients rebuild their sense of self, resilience, and empowerment. I also take a holistic view of therapy, integrating various therapeutic techniques to address the mind, body, and spirit. By focusing on the whole person, I help clients uncover their strengths and use them as a foundation for growth and healing. My goal is to guide clients toward lasting positive change, equipping them with the tools and insights they need to thrive beyond the therapy room. In addition to my technical skills, I bring a genuine warmth and commitment to my practice. I am dedicated to creating a space where clients feel comfortable exploring their deepest fears and challenges, knowing they are met with compassion and support every step of the way. This combination of empathy, specialized knowledge, and a holistic perspective makes me well-equipped to help clients achieve meaningful and lasting transformation in their lives.
About Michelle L. King
Serves ages
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a proven approach that helps clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In my practice, I use CBT to empower clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to their emotional distress or problematic behaviors. When working with clients, I begin by helping them recognize and articulate the thoughts that often go unnoticed but play a significant role in how they feel and act. Together, we explore how these thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors, particularly in relation to anxiety, depression, or trauma-related responses. Through this process, clients gain greater awareness of their cognitive patterns and how these may be perpetuating their difficulties. Once these patterns are identified, I guide clients in developing more balanced and constructive ways of thinking. This might involve challenging negative or distorted thoughts and replacing them with more realistic and positive alternatives. I also incorporate behavioral strategies, such as exposure therapy or activity scheduling, to help clients gradually face and overcome their fears or increase engagement in positive activities. One of the strengths of CBT is its practical nature, offering clients tools they can use both in and outside of therapy. I often assign homework between sessions, such as journaling or practicing new skills, to reinforce what we’ve discussed and help clients apply CBT principles in their daily lives. This active, collaborative approach is particularly effective in helping clients make tangible changes in how they think and feel, leading to improvements in their overall well-being. In summary, CBT is a cornerstone of my practice because it empowers clients to take control of their thoughts and behaviors, leading to meaningful and lasting change. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, or the effects of trauma, I find that CBT provides a clear, structured path to healing and growth.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I have extensive experience with the Person-Centered approach, which emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a nonjudgmental environment. In my practice, I use this method to create a supportive space where clients feel understood and valued. By focusing on active listening and being fully present, I help clients explore their thoughts and emotions at their own pace, empowering them to discover their inner strengths and solutions. This approach is especially effective for those dealing with trauma or self-esteem issues, as it fosters self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
Positive Psychology
In my practice, I use Positive Psychology to shift the focus from just addressing problems to also enhancing what is going well in a client’s life. This approach involves helping clients identify and leverage their strengths, develop resilience, and increase their overall sense of happiness and fulfillment. I often begin by guiding clients through exercises that help them recognize their strengths and positive qualities, which can sometimes be overlooked in the face of challenges. We might work on gratitude practices, where clients identify and reflect on things they are thankful for, which has been shown to boost mood and overall well-being. I also use techniques such as setting meaningful goals, fostering positive relationships, and encouraging activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Positive Psychology doesn’t ignore difficulties or struggles; instead, it provides a balanced approach by also highlighting what is working well in a client’s life. By focusing on strengths and positive experiences, clients can build a more robust foundation for navigating challenges. This approach aligns well with my overall therapeutic philosophy, which is about empowering clients to create lasting positive change in their lives. In summary, Positive Psychology is an integral part of my practice because it helps clients not only heal but also thrive. By cultivating positive emotions, engagement, and meaning, clients can achieve a greater sense of well-being and satisfaction in their lives.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I have extensive experience utilizing the Solution-Focused approach in my practice, which is a goal-oriented and future-focused therapeutic method. This approach is particularly effective for clients who want to see tangible progress in a relatively short amount of time. It emphasizes clients' strengths and resources, rather than dwelling on past problems or challenges. In my practice, I use the Solution-Focused method to help clients identify specific goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Early in the therapy process, I encourage clients to articulate what they want to change or accomplish. We focus on what has worked in the past and explore ways to replicate or build on those successes. This approach is empowering because it shifts the focus from problems to solutions, helping clients gain a sense of control and confidence in their ability to make positive changes. I often use techniques such as the "miracle question," where I ask clients to envision how their life would look if their problems were resolved overnight. This exercise helps them clarify their goals and identify the changes needed to move toward that vision. Additionally, I encourage clients to recognize "exceptions"—times when their problems were less severe or not present at all—so they can see that change is possible and already within their reach. The Solution-Focused method is particularly effective for clients who may feel stuck or overwhelmed by their current situation. By focusing on small, manageable steps and celebrating progress along the way, clients often experience quick wins that boost their motivation and momentum. In summary, the Solution-Focused approach is a key part of my practice because it helps clients move from problem-solving to solution-building, fostering a sense of empowerment and forward movement. It’s a practical and optimistic approach that aligns well with my goal of helping clients achieve meaningful and lasting change in their lives.
Supportive
I have a strong foundation in using the supportive method in therapy, which emphasizes providing a nurturing and validating environment for clients. The supportive approach is essential for creating a therapeutic space where clients feel safe, understood, and accepted, especially when they are dealing with intense emotions, stress, or difficult life circumstances. In my practice, I use the supportive method to help clients feel heard and validated in their experiences. This approach involves active listening, empathy, and providing reassurance to help clients manage their emotions and cope with challenges. I work to create a strong therapeutic alliance, where clients know they have a reliable and consistent source of support as they navigate their struggles. Supportive therapy is particularly effective for clients who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma. It allows me to help clients build their resilience by reinforcing their strengths and coping strategies. I often use techniques such as normalizing feelings, offering encouragement, and helping clients set realistic goals. By providing a stable and nonjudgmental space, clients can process their emotions and gain the confidence needed to move forward. This method also serves as a foundation for other therapeutic approaches, as it ensures that clients feel secure enough to engage in deeper work when they are ready. Whether I’m helping a client manage daily stressors or supporting them through a significant life transition, the supportive approach is integral to my practice because it provides the emotional scaffolding needed for healing and growth. In summary, the supportive method is a cornerstone of my practice, offering clients the validation, empathy, and encouragement they need to navigate life’s challenges. It’s about being a steady, reassuring presence that helps clients feel empowered and understood on their journey toward well-being.