I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families defy the odds and overcome life’s challenges so that they may realize their potential and live fulfilling, satisfying lives. I believe that we all have the potential for fulfillment in our lives and relationships; unfortunately, sometimes life throws us curveballs that get in the way. Given the safe place with someone who cares, genuinely gets it can go a long way in helping us overcome life’s greatest challenges, by helping us to develop our strengths and resources while reducing the roadblocks. I work especially well with those who need help navigating the stress in their life, life stage transitions, intimate relationships and marriage, parenting, parent-child relationships whether you are the child or the parent, anxiety, panic disorder, trauma and PTSD, coping with child or family members mental health, couple and family issues. As a marriage and family therapist I have more than 25 years helping, individual couples and families to help them repair and strengthen their relationships; as well as to navigate life challenges that are so often thrown their way. I have a particular interest in working with couples and families who struggle with what might seem like insurmountable problems – from work/life balance, their own health or mental health as well as their children’s, intimate relationships and marital dissatisfaction, betrayal and trust issues, infidelity, divorce and divorce adjustment. I also provide premarital counseling, which is always a good idea, but an especially good idea when your life has thrown you added stressors that can sabotage your relationships. I enjoy helping couples overcome the odds that are so often against relational and marital success
Michelle has a Bachelor of Science in Social and Rehabilitative Sciences and a Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Miss. Prior to returning to private practice, she has worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs providing outpatient counseling to veterans and their families. Over the course of her 28 year career in the field she has worked in a school-based setting, community mental health, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse for adolescents and adults, youth educational/vocational programming, in-home family reunification services, and private practice. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, outdoor recreation, the creative arts, reading and learning. Specialized and Evidenced Based Training:
EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Training, Level 1 and Level 2, Certification in Process
CPT – Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma
STAIR – Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Training
Gottman Training – Level 1 and Level 1 – Intimate Partners and Married Couples
Prepare/Enrich – Certified Facilitator – Premarital, marital, and parenting preparation and enrichment. Whole Health Group Facilitator – Health and Wellness Education and Support Group.
