Therapists in Hillsboro, MO

I believe people are more than their diagnosis. Yes, a diagnosis is a tool but it is not the big picture. I come from a place of curiosity and wonder, wanting to know my clients on a deeper level so that I can help them navigate this world. For example, PTSD is a big diagnosis that is thrown around; yet, it doesn't paint the full picture. It doesn't reflect someone's experiences, triggers, how this is impacting their relationships, family history, the strengths they possess etc. Adolescents are my passion however, I also enjoy and work closely with families and adults.

Hi there, I am here to help you. I work with individuals, couples, and families with struggles ranging from current life issues, relationship struggles, and issues that have been a lifelong battle. Clients often come to me because they have hit the lowest point and have never felt more alone, even after trying therapy countless times before. Many clients have left counseling finding resolution and a drive to live their life to the fullest. My clients have expressed finding healing, feeling equipped to manage life, and having healthier relationships and connections with others that they previously thought weren't possible.

I believe people's pain is holy and sacred ground and that every individual's story has value. I work with individuals and couples, and I'm passionate about understanding my clients' struggles and giving them hope for healing and redemption. In coming to counseling, my clients can be assured that I'll provide a safe, non-judgmental space for them to grow and find healing. Of particular interest to me is helping people who struggle with relationship difficulties, sexual intimacy issues, vaginismus, sexual shame, religious and sexual identity conflicts, spirituality, and conflict and boundary issues.

We are wired to repeat deeply learned patterns that, at a certain point, no longer serve us. Whether it’s in your personal relationships, or your relationship with yourself, at times you may find yourself feeling stuck in a repetitive loop, with outcomes that feel undesirable or out of your control. Together we can identify and explore these patterns in order to define your goals and work towards meaningful growth.

Ready for a change? Trust me, I get it... Life is not always easy and never seems to go the way you planned. Not to mention, taking care of your mental health can be difficult for so many reasons. Maybe you have been stuck for a long time and are afraid to ask for help. Maybe you have a full plate dealing with all of life's responsibilities, with not enough time in the day. Or maybe you just don’t know where to start. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone! Let’s talk about it and figure this thing out together.

Michelle earned her Masters of Social Work degree from Saint Louis University & her Licensed Master of Social Work License 2011. Michelle has worked with a diverse population over the years, primarily focusing on children, teenagers, & families, as well as individuals facing trauma. Michelle believes that all individuals wish to be heard, accepted & understood, but when faced with stressful & challenging situations life can seem overwhelming, unmanageable, and out of control, but therapy can help bring you peace, or "calm the chaos" as she frequently says.

About a decade ago I attended a conference at the Omega Institute and was reawakened to the immense suffering in the world and I realized there was no more time to waste. I needed to change careers in order to be of service. All of my life I wanted to be a healer and pursued a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health. My approach is mindful, practical, respectful and always hopeful. I believe each of us holds the key to our own healing within our highest sense of Self. My role is to help support that discovery process through thoughtful exploration, creativity and a little humor.

Whether you are struggling with a specific issue, feel stuck within the cycles of depression or anxiety, or are seeking greater fulfilment and authenticity in your life, therapy can empower you with tools, support and a confiding, trusting relationship. I truly believe that a therapeutic relationship created with the purpose of self-healing is a necessary and powerful framework from which a person can transform their lives. I believe in therapy, and I love what I do! I specialize in working with women and mothers, not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Postpartum Depression/Anxiety, the motherhood identity, parenting, relationships, sexuality, and life changes. I also specialize in working with teens that struggle with Depression, Anxiety and identity, including LGBTQIA and questioning/curious youth.

My goal as a counselor is for my clients to feel safe, seen, and heard during our time together. I have a passion for providing a space filled with acceptance and support as people process hardships and begin to heal.

I love working with teenagers, college students and young adults ages 13-30. I most enjoy working with anxiety disorders (including OCD, phobias, and panic disorder), the effects of trauma, as well as LGBTQ clients. The majority of my training as a therapist has been in treating trauma, OCD and generalized anxiety. I am also a native Spanish speaker and love working with immigrant clients. Feel free to email with any questions about my experience.

Safety, trust, and empathy are foundational to any counseling relationship. As a professional who has also experienced trauma in her own life, I understand not only that foundation, but also the deep pain that comes with indescribable hurt. Many times, those who have experienced painful events, are unable to find the words to describe it. This is where I am able to help. I can bring peace, when the pain is too much for words. Your story is beautiful, and there is hope.

Have you ever thought, "How did I end up here?" Life has a way of giving us challenges we never could have imagined. Life's hard! You may feel you have been pushed past your breaking point, BUT there's good news... You're NOT broken, NOT worthless, and definitely NOT alone. What if I told you the strength to take control of this challenge is already inside you? You've found my profile, which says that you've already done something very brave. You've said, 'I have bigger plans for my life than this', and that is impressive.

If you are struggling with relationship challenges, stress and anxiety, depression and grief, trauma and PTSD, or other life challenges, I would like to help. Humans have an amazing capacity to heal, but we are not meant to do it alone. I provide support, education, short-term and long-term therapies, and other techniques that are customized to fit your needs and preferences. I have special expertise in the art and science of recovering from trauma, abuse, narcissistic abuse, and complex PTSD. I also have advanced training in attachment theory and therapy, expressive arts therapies, communication, CBT, mindfulness, yoga, etc.

Have you been hurt by a past church or religious experience? Has it knocked you off balance and led you to doubt your relationships with other people, with God, or even within yourself? If so, you are not alone. Most of us at some point have walked through various degrees of Spiritual Abuse ranging from mild, disorienting misuse of power to full-blown cult experiences. These toxic systems and Spiritual Abuse don't have to have the last word. There is hope for healing, integration, and attachment repair.

We continue to grow in staff and services. Life is full of adventures that affect every experience we encounter. We now have four License Staff, One Master's Level Counselor, One Qualified Mental Health Professionals, a Counselors in Training, a Professional Visitation Supervisor Monitor, and a Life Coach. We will soon have an RN join our team. We are here for you and your overall life journey. Contact us and see if we can assist you in developing, implementing, and maintaining your goals. We would be honor if any practicum student, intern or PLPC would like to join our team.

Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, or ODD? Have you experienced trauma in the past or currently experiencing trauma? Wherever you find yourself in life, I am here to listen and help you best learn and discover ways to heal from the past and discover a joy for today & the future.

I enjoy working with children of all ages, adults, and families in an effort to help others identify and build on current strengths and promote positive change where desired. My experience, training, and years of ongoing supervision enables me to offer you effective, quality, individualized care.

Are you struggling with anxiety, trauma or disordered eating? Are you feeling depressed or overwhelmed with constant worry? Are you experiencing difficulty with various relationships in your life? I have a deep passion for supporting others through their journey towards general wellbeing. I follow a holistic approach to therapy and place emphasis on total wellness. It is my mission to create a safe, welcoming, inclusive and non-judgemental space as we work together to help you overcome roadblocks.