“I became a therapist to help people find their voice, live their values and create meaning in their lives. I take great joy in growth–both for myself and my clients. I believe people strengthen one another just as iron sharpens iron. Often my framework for sessions includes how relational, thought or communication patterns shape mental health.”
Sessions with Michelle include practicing, sharing and potential insights. Clients can expect to feel safe exploring their emotions and will be encouraged to consider different perspectives. Sessions are typically flexible and adaptive based on the needs and goals of her clients. Michelle does her best to offer a nonjudgmental space and works hard to use discernment as a lens to view situations that are creating difficulty for clients.
Michelle has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She often incorporates strategies from narrative therapy, interpersonal therapy, and Trauma-Focused CBT. She typically uses an integrative approach to treatment based on client needs.
Michelle is a fully licensed clinical social worker at the Pine Rest Telehealth Clinic, offering only virtual video sessions. She has been working in the field since 2014 and has been at Pine Rest since 2021. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in social work from Grand Valley State University.
Michelle participates with Faith Community Outreach, an initiative within Pine Rest that seeks to connect area clergy, churches and ministries to services available from Pine Rest; as well as develop new services specifically designed to benefit the faith community.