Michelle Cruz

LMSW, CSAT-Candidate

Trauma & Addiction Specialist | EMDR-Certified Clinician | LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapist CSAT-Candidate | Holistic & Client-Centered Care Advocate

Michelle Cruz is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and CSAT-Candidate dedicated to guiding individuals toward self-acceptance, healing from betrayal trauma, and rebuilding healthy connections. After two decades in corporate training and higher education, Michelle pivoted to social work, earning her MSW from Fordham University to foster deeper, transformative relationships with clients. Her practice integrates EMDR, trauma-informed care, and holistic strategies to address sexual addiction, codependency, and intimacy challenges, with a steadfast commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.

Specializations & Expertise

Sexual & Porn Addiction: Disrupting compulsive behaviors and shame cycles while fostering accountability and self-compassion.
Betrayal Trauma & Codependency: Healing emotional wounds and empowering clients to reclaim agency in relationships.
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care: Supporting identity exploration, societal stigma, and disenfranchised grief with cultural humility.
Substance Use Disorders: Bridging inpatient and outpatient experiences to address addiction holistically.

Therapeutic Approach

Michelle’s methodology is rooted in collaboration and somatic healing:

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing): Certified in this evidence-based tool to reprocess trauma, resolve emotional distress, and restore mental health.
Client-Centered & Trauma-Informed Care: Prioritizing safety, validation, and nonjudgmental exploration of life’s complexities.
Holistic Frameworks: Addressing mind-body connections to align clients with their values and purpose.

Sessions balance practical strategies with existential reflection, helping clients dismantle self-criticism and rebuild meaning.

Commitment to Inclusive Healing

Michelle’s practice is defined by:

LGBTQIA+ Advocacy: Creating affirming spaces for marginalized communities to explore identity and grief.
Corporate & Academic Insight: Leveraging 20+ years in training and education to foster resilience and self-advocacy.
Anti-Shame Philosophy: Normalizing imperfections while guiding clients toward self-acceptance and authentic living.

Education & Credentials

Master of Social Work (MSW): Fordham University.
CSAT-Candidate: Advanced training in sexual addiction treatment through IITAP.
EMDR Certification: Specialized in trauma reprocessing and neural healing.
Background: Two decades in corporate training and higher education teaching.

Why Work With Michelle?

Michelle merges warmth, lived experience, and clinical precision to help clients transform suffering into growth. Her unique journey from corporate leadership to trauma therapy informs her compassionate, no-nonsense approach. Whether confronting addiction, betrayal, or self-doubt, she equips clients with tools to heal psychological wounds, strengthen relationships, and embrace their authentic selves.