Bringing Evidence-Based Practices to Life Through Digestible, Actionable Steps

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My Therapy Background

I balance a gentle and dynamic approach to help guide clients toward their inner wisdom. Retaining a biopsychosocial perspective, I apply a strengths-based approach while blending evidence-based theory into practice.

I possess intensive clinical training in Integrative and Systemic Psychotherapy through The Family Institute at Northwestern University, utilizing the empirically informed Integrative Problem-Centered Metaframeworks (IPCM) framework. Additionally, I have specialized training in mindfulness-based and behavioral therapies practices, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), meditation, retreat management, and other holistic healing modalities. I also incorporate cutting-edge areas of mental health wellness, such as Interpersonal Neurobiology and Positive Psychology.

Prior to private practice, I served as the first Clinical Program Fellow at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, specializing in mindfulness and behavior therapies, balancing various levels of acceptance and change.

I am a clinical member of several professional organizations, including:

  • American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

  • Illinois Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (IAMFT)

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT)

  • Orange County Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (OC CAMFT)

  • Association of Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)

  • Southern California chapter of ACBS (SOCAL ACBS)

I hold an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University and am a certified Life Coach from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts.

Currently, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, maintaining licensure and continuing education in California (#120037), Hawaii (#MFT-628), Illinois (#166.001050), and Oregon (#T2011).

I hold my clients in the highest regard and believe each client's needs in therapy are unique. I look forward to hearing from you and supporting your therapeutic journey.

  • "Michelle is the type of person and therapist that makes me feel so much better about any situation I am dealing with coming into her sessions. She knows how to explain why I am feeling a certain way, but she also makes me dig a bit deeper and vocalize why I am reacting or feeling a certain way. By doing that, she helps me to face it and then deal with it. There has not been one session that I have gone to where I don’t feel better afterwards. Michelle is very personable and relatable. She takes genuine interest in what she does. I can’t thank her enough for how much she has helped me and continues to help me."

    — Male, age 25-34

  • “An enlightening experience, opportunity to hear each other, and connect as a family. I’m excited to see how it will all unfold.”

    — Post First Session Client

  • “My husband and I have been to many therapists and none have been of any help. Michelle has taken her time to get to know us as people, helped us to learn to communicate, and has taught us many ways to deal with various situations. She is easy to talk to, always answers our emails, questions, and calls, promptly. Michelle has been a huge help to our family and we are lucky to have her services in our lives!”

    — Female, age 35-44

  • “Our work with Michelle has been incredibly helpful in improving the communication between my spouse and me. She has highlighted areas of miscommunication and has taught both of us how to communicate in ways that the other will better understand.”

    — Male, age 55-64

  • “Takes a deep interest in her patients. Very knowledgeable of human conditions. You learn. You heal. She cares.”

    — Female, age 55-64

  • “Michelle brings a natural and deep focus, knowledge, compassion and non- judgement to her client relationships. With her guidance and counseling I have grown tremendously.”

    — Male, age 45-54

  • “Michelle has helped better understand myself and grow my own self love. Her approach is so unique and genuine. I cherish my time with her and feel very supported but also challenged by Michelle. These changes have helped me fulfill many of my goals and enjoy my life in a much fuller and richer way.”

    — Female, age 35-44

  • “Michelle is an incredibly compassionate person, she is a terrific listener, and picks up on little details that many may think of no consequence. She really gets one to think about things in a far clearer way than one otherwise might. I can say that every time I have left a session with Michelle, I have felt great, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders. From what Michelle taught me, I feel so much better within myself.”

    — Male, age 35-44