
Hi, I’m Michelé.
A bit more about me…
Dedicated to serving BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and diverse communities I am a strength-based and person-centered Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I integrate Systems, Intersectional, and Womanist theories to gain a comprehensive understanding of your experiences through a decolonizing and holistic lens, offering insight and psychoeducation on the internal and external systems impacting your mental wellness.
Over the span of my 10+ years of experience in the social work field, I have gained valuable insights that has influenced a social justice and trauma-informed approach as a psychotherapist. My unique blend of social work and psychotherapy allows me to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to those seeking support. I believe that true well-being encompasses not just the absence of distress, but also a strong sense of self, connection to your cultural roots, and liberation from internal and external oppressions while navigating issues related to race based trauma, ancestral trauma, and identity suppression.
In our sessions, we will work collaboratively to explore your identity, process past and present experiences, and cultivate inner resources that support your growth and resilience. We can explore the multifaceted aspects of your journey and the spaces in between using frameworks like EMDR, narrative therapy, DBT, and parts work. If you are seeking a therapist who is empathetic, skilled, and committed to helping you on your journey towards healing and growth, I may be the right fit for you. Together, we can work towards building a strong foundation for your mental well-being and creating positive change in your life.
Credentials
Master of Social Work - MSW, Fordham University (New York)
Board of Behavioral Science -LCSW License #121889 (California)
EMDR Trained Therapist (Institute For the Creative Mindfulness-EMDRIA approved)
Decolonizing mental health is aimed at challenging Western-centric approaches to mental wellness and promoting culturally relevant care for marginalized communities. By acknowledging the impact of colonization on mental health practices, this approach seeks to create more inclusive and holistic approaches to healing and well-being.
What does decolonizing mental health mean?
Racial trauma, or race-based traumatic stress (RBTS), refers to the mental and emotional injury caused by encounters with racial bias and ethnic discrimination, racism, hate crimes, and/or systematic oppression. Any individual that has experienced an emotionally painful, sudden, and uncontrollable racist encounter is at risk of suffering from a race-based traumatic stress injury.
What is raced-based traumatic stress or RBTS?
EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a structured psychotherapy that primarily focuses on treating individuals who have experienced distressing or traumatic events. It’s purpose is to support those with traumatic memories, that have been unprocessed, causing many of these memories to become “stuck” in the brain, leading to a wide array of emotional and psychological difficulties. EMDR allows for the reprocessing of these memories helping to reduce the reactive charge and healing from trauma.
What is EMDR?
Intergenerational trauma also know as generational or ancestral trauma, is the passing down of psychological and emotional pain from one generation to the next. This can occur through learned behaviors, beliefs, and coping mechanisms. It often stems from experiences such as war, abuse, or oppression, and can have lasting effects on individuals and families.
What is intergenerational trauma?