Therapists in Philadelphia, PA

Sometimes we do everything right and still end up feeling anxious, depressed, or dissatisfied in our day-to-day lives. This can leave us wondering: What am I doing wrong? What’s missing? Therapy creates a space to better understand ourselves and the way our past impacts our present. In sessions, we will uncover emotional and relational patterns that contribute to an overall feeling of dissatisfaction in life. This will provide us with the roadmap to help you build a life that feels full, joyful, and meaningful to you.

WHO AM I? I am a licensed psychotherapist who has nearly 20 years of experience. My practice experience has reflected my commitment and passion for children, teens, and families, particularly those who have been impacted by trauma. WHO ARE YOU? Someone who has experienced depression or anxiety. Someone who is dealing with relationships, family, work stress, or transitions in your life. Someone who is exhausted from life in general! Maybe you are a trauma survivor. You are someone who wants to face your struggles and fears and work collaboratively towards a solution.

I am a systemically trained and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering individual, couple, and family therapy. My clients seek support around a myriad of concerns - most common among them are: depression, anxiety, loss, attachment trauma, oppression-based trauma, identity exploration/conflict, racial identity, family/relational conflict, and emotional dysregulation. Clients come to me to deconstruct beliefs about themselves and the world that are no longer serving them and instead creating chaos, dysfunction, and pain. Through our work together, they're able to live more fulfilling lives.

Knowing that opening up about true feelings with another person can be intimidating, I create a warm space to unpack clients’ stories and uncover the root causes of issues with curiosity. My practice is grounded in understanding the unique experiences of my clients, especially how systems we exist in and outside of us contribute to distress. I believe in the natural intuition and resilience of all people and highlight those in therapy so that greater understanding and compassion for oneself can emerge, while also empowering clients with new perspectives and tools.

You might be asking, "How do I restore balance in my life?" In the complex dance of relationships, maintaining harmony can sometimes feel like an insurmountable challenge. Particularly in intimate relationships or within the family unit, it’s not uncommon to feel disconnected, despite your best efforts. Rekindling love, intimacy, and warmth in these relationships is within reach.

Thank you for your courage to take this step. Seeking guidance and help through therapy is a courageous thing! I am committed to creating honest spaces to honor each individual's unique truth and lived experiences. Culturally responsive social work practice is the foundation of my work; I am passionate about working with racial, ethnic, and religious minority populations to address mental health needs.

People who decide to work with me are looking for someone who they feel comfortable sharing with. Someone who understands them culturally. Someone who can restore hope, work with them to implement healthier thought patterns, increase desired behaviors and empower them. People who work with me want better for themselves but feel stuck.

You're slamming the alarm clock; it was another night of broken sleep. Feeling drained and wishing for a moment of peace and happiness. You are giving to others when you're running low and rarely have time for yourself. Pressures and stress are piling up and weighing on your shoulders. You want to reach out for help but are scared of being vulnerable. At night when you lay down to sleep, the thoughts are racing and the worries return. All that you want is understanding, support, and acceptance.

Hi! I'm so glad you're taking steps to your own growth. I'd love to be a part of that journey! My style of therapy is focused in rational thinking and empathetic listening. I like to remind my clients to recognize the power they hold in their own lives. I work collaboratively with my clients to increase self-worth and reframe faulty or problematic narratives and patterns. I try to create and maintain an environment of safety and validation to support individuals in overcoming past and/or current obstacles and creating last change in their lives.

I have successfully worked with all ages, from college aged students, as well as elementary to high school aged kids. I also have specialized experience in working with kids who have special needs and neurodevelopmental conditions. I also have a long standing experience in working with families overcome issues such an communication problems and helping the family adjust to medical or mental health diagnosis. I use an eclectic multicultural approach. I have used cognitive behavioral therapy, applied behavior analysis techniques, family-based therapy, person-centered, motivational interviewing, mindfulness therapy, and trauma informed

Michelle’s most rewarding aspect of working with the individual served, is ensuring that their physical and emotional state are addressed. Helping the client to understand and process trauma and micro-trauma that impacts every area of functioning. She assist clients with identifying barriers and challenges, providing and exploring positive coping strategies, cognitive restructuring, resources, support, empathy, compassion, and effective quality of care to increase the clients likelihood of meeting their desired personal goals for success. She helps individuals with exploring their past and present to help them understand themselves.

“It’s always best to believe in one’s self, but a little help from others can be a great blessing!” I view each person as the main character in their book of life. Each book contains stories of joy, sadness, exploration, struggle, and most importantly, HOPE. My goal to assist in exploring these stories, whether you encounter depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, intersectional struggles, or self-esteem issues. I am especially sensitive to those impacted by LGBTQ issues, religious minorities, activists, uniformed public servants, and those experiencing depression.