About…
Approach…
“The work of restoration cannot begin until a problem is fully faced.”
Memberships:
Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Study
Shelterwood Collective
Washington Mental Health Counselors Association
American Counseling Association
Photos courtesy of Poppi Photography
Hi, I am Michelle. I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist. Starting a new relationship, even a therapeutic one, can be daunting. I hope that knowing a little more about me and my approach helps put you at ease.
I am originally from the Midwest, but Olympia has been my home for over two decades. My journey to becoming a psychotherapist was a long road, like many journeys, that included stops and bends. I attended college after high school but took a long break to get married and raise a daughter. I then picked up the journey and completed my Bachelor’s of Criminal Psychology, graduating Summa Cum Laude. My journey then led me to attend and complete my Masters in Counseling Psychology at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. It is through this program that I learned about the relational, psychodynamic aspect of therapy that I am passionate about.
Throughout my life, I have deeply desired to help others, often through a listening ear, and I continue to be in awe of how resilient people are, even through their darkest times. I have also been privileged to witness redemption in many people’s stories. Several years ago, I had the honor to travel to Rwanda, which included sitting with many of the survivors of the 1994 genocide in which over 1 million people were murdered. The redemption of so many of the survivors impacted me deeply and inspired me to continue with my journey to help others.
My experience of working at a community mental health agency gave me the opportunity to work with kids, teens, adults, and families. I also have experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, divorces, and more. My time in Rwanda also allowed me to learn more about restorative practices and how they can lead to healing and redemption.
I believe that one of the most important aspects of therapy is the relationship between myself and you, my client. I believe that it is from this relationship that healing and change can occur. Based on my belief in the value of the therapeutic relationship, I practice from a narrative, relational psychodynamic, and attachment approach. I look for relational patterns, attachment styles, and how trauma has impacted you and your story. Together we will work together to understand how these aspects have impacted you and how change can occur.
I believe that we are each created to live a life full of hope, to be deeply connected to others through relationships, and live in restoration. My hope is that through therapy, you will begin to turn towards the future by looking at the past. While the journey may feel daunting, my hope is that together, we may find the path forward, one step at a time.
