MeeT Michelle

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My approach is rooted in building meaningful relationships and supporting people as they navigate life’s challenges. Coming from a Latin family, I’ve seen firsthand how culture, language, and family dynamics shape the way we understand and talk about mental health. My background in school counseling has also given me a strong understanding of how academic, social, and emotional experiences are deeply connected, and how the environments we’re in can impact our well-being. I strive to create a space where clients feel both understood and represented, and where their full story is welcomed.

My therapy style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in a humanistic and culturally responsive approach. I focus on creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients can show up as they are and feel genuinely supported. I believe that each person has the capacity for growth and healing, and I work alongside clients to help them build insight, strengthen coping skills, and move toward their goals. It is also important to build trust and reduce barriers to care.

My approach is grounded in a humanistic, strengths-based perspective, where I focus on the whole person while also considering the systems, relationships, and other factors that shape their experiences. I integrate elements of culturally responsive therapy to ensure each client feels seen and understood within their cultural identity, and I incorporate more creative therapy such as play and art therapy (especially when working with children). 

• ADHD
• Autism
• Child & Adolescent
• Group Counseling
• Stress
• Anxiety
• College and Career Counseling
• Depression
• Restorative Practice

Humanistic

Strengths-Based Approach

Play therapy

Art Therapy

Culturally Responsive Therapy

Alfred University (Westchester Location)

Certificate of Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling (Pending)

Touro Collge, New York, NY

Advanced Certificate in Bilingual Education and Services, December 2020

Alfred University (Alfred, NY)

Masters of Science in Education, May 2020

Major: Counseling

CUNY: City College of New York, NY, NY

Bachelor of Arts, May 2013

Major: Business Management and Administration

Minor: Psychology

English

Spanish