Michelle Gonyo
Hello! I am passionate about helping people increase self-understanding and self-compassion to become the best version of themselves. I enjoy helping others navigate challenging life transitions, increase resilience, and heal from past trauma.
My therapy approach is informed by my lived experience as a provider as well as a client.
Together, we will identify areas for growth and existing strengths, to improve your quality of life and relationships. I offer a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space for meaningful work. I am here to help you connect with yourself to feel whole, grounded, and empowered.
First session
We will discuss your reasons for seeking support at this time and what you're hoping to achieve through our work together. We will begin to conceptualize your goals for our work together and develop a relationship that is safe and supportive.
Strengths
I utilize a comprehensive approach to treatment, which begins with a through assessment. We will identify your strengths, as well as areas for improvement. Together we will create an autobiographical narrative, which provides an opportunity for you to share your story and deepen self-understanding. My therapy approach is informed by my lived experience as a provider as well as a client. I am empathetic, non- judgmental, caring, and appreciate human connectedness.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with adults that are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, low self esteem, and other trauma related responses. They are looking to increase self-awareness and improve their overall wellbeing. My clients are hoping to better understand themselves, by looking at past events, big and small, that shape their beliefs and ultimately who they are in the world.
Treatment methods
EMDR
I was initially inspired to pursue Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training by my personal experience with the method. EMDR works on the premise that difficult or traumatic memories are put away or stored in the mind and body maladaptively. By bringing the memory back into awareness and processing with eye movements (bilateral stimulation), the memories are reprocessed and then stored in a more adaptive way, allowing for recall of the event without re experiencing intense negative emotions. EMDR can be used to reduce distressing symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, past childhood trauma, phobias, and more.
Location
Virtual sessions