In college I became interested in helping families. I worked in a battered women's shelter for 3 years. I lived in Massachusetts, Vermont, California, Colorado, New York and traveled throughout the U.S. and Bulgaria. I studied Interpersonal Communications at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where I earned my B.A.. In 1995 I received my M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy from Antioch University New England. I previously practiced in Massachusetts, New York (where I held a private practice on Madison Avenue for 6 years), Vermont and now Michigan. I was Secretary and President-Elect of the New York Metro Chapter of Marriage & Family Therapist in New York City for 3 years and helped to co-found a program to bring together therapists and lawyers regarding custody and divorce matters to better service families in difficult times of emotional and financial transitions.

In the beginning of my career I worked with families in crisis. I helped to educate law enforcement, social service agencies and judges regarding a best practice in assisting families in crisis. I have spent the past 15 years working with couples and individuals to help them to improve their communication skills, learn boundaries, self-respect, self-awareness and to find a greater sense of inner peace, which decreases incidence of depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

Pre-marital counseling is so important to discuss and envision together what your lives are going to look like and to be clear about your priorities. I don't want to leave out folks that are generally satisfied with their lives but could use some coping skills for areas of uncertainty. I enjoy seeing individuals and couples who are looking to just improve upon their experiences and to form greater bonds in their relationships. I am accepting, non-judgmental, open-minded and want you to feel safe and comfortable as we work together toward a better you.

Whatever concerns, issues in your life, or problems, I am confident that I can assist you in resolving them through an accepting, safe and open-minded approach. This is the time for a change.

My name is Michelle and I look forward to working with you.

-M