Hi, and it’s great to meet you. My Name is Michelle, I am an independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I have been working as a social worker/therapist for 7 years in a variety of settings and with people of all ages from tween to senior citizen. I have a double Bachelors in Psychology and Sociology, and I received my Masters in Clinical Social Work in 2015 from New Mexico Highlands University, and I currently practice in New Mexico as an embedded therapist in the National Guard. I am also a registered clinical supervisor for LMSWs who are working toward their independent licensure. Outside of my every-day career, I am also serving in the National Guard as a medic/EMT, I ride a motorcycle with the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association as a support member (non-combat veteran).
In addition to my education, my life experiences as a former soldier in the army, mentoring my junior soldiers, my experiences of living in and experiencing many different cultures in and out of the United States, my 11 years of owning a business and often acting as a “life-coach” for my employees, and my recent return to military service, have provided me a wealth of education not obtained in a formal setting. My biggest take-away from all of that is that there is no “one right way” to do things
My style of therapy is direct, honest, and compassionate. I don’t believe in sugar-coated or watered-down therapy, so it’s important to me that there's open communication and transparency throughout the process. I’ve worked with many different people and situations in my career, so this is a judgement-free-zone. Whether you’re looking to improve specific situations, or to make big changes in your life, I can help, support, and guide you. I use Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Solution Focused, Interpersonal, and Psychodynamic therapies. I am tough, but compassionate and fair and I believe in the power of self-abilities to work through issues with positive growth and work ethic. I know personally what it means to struggle and experience loss. I have experience in encouraging the strength and abilities of individuals, but also working with their known limitations.
To me therapy is a partnership; you guide the process and I will not only listen, but offer support and resources to help you overcome or mitigate what’s going on for you. Together we will break things down, determine common themes, and identify what is and is not working for you. Using your vision for what you want in your life, you’ll gain the skills to go after it and replace the parts which no longer serve you.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Compassion fatigue, Blended Family Issues, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Guilt and shame, Jealousy, Life purpose, Military and Veterans Issues, Money and financial issues, Post-traumatic stress, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy
NM LCSW C-10243