Michelle became a LMSW after twenty years in corporate training and teaching in higher education. She continually desired to connect on a deeper level with clients and students. Michelle earned her second master’s degree from Fordham University in Social Work. Her focus is to help clients achieve self-acceptance and build healthy connections in relationships.

 

Life is hard and we often make it harder on ourselves. Michelle has spent time working in both inpatient and outpatient settings focused on substance use disorders and embracing the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands disenfranchised grief associated with betrayal trauma, porn addiction, sex addiction, intimacy issues, and codependency. She takes a client centered, trauma informed, and holistic approach. Michelle hopes to foster a relationship with you that helps you attain freedom from problematic sexual behaviors, gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and rebuild meaning into your life.

 

Michelle got certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help change negative patterns in the brain. EMDR is a psychotherapy tool that enables people to heal from symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.  Repeated studies show that EMDR can in fact heal the mind from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.  When you cut your hand, your body works to heal the wound.  If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain.  Once the block is removed, healing resumes.  

 

EMDR demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with the mental healing process.  The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health.  If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering.  Once the block is removed, healing resumes.  Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy, Michelle has witnessed clients healing from years of suffering. Michelle considers it an honor to accompany clients on their journey of self- discovery.

 

We all have imperfections, insecurities, and idiosyncrasies that make us unique. Finding self-acceptance and connection is a lifelong journey. Michelle desires to partner with her clients in this process. She focuses on creating a non- judgmental environment in which her clients feel heard, validated and understood. She will welcome you into treatment with compassion, professional competence, and a sincere sensitivity to the specific circumstances motivating you to seek therapy at this time. Finding the right therapist can be daunting and Michelle admires the bravery of those who seek treatment.