About Michelle

I have been blessed to accompany people across many ages, places, and stages. I delight in having a “front row seat” to witness transformation: breakthroughs that emerge over time and yield lasting change.

As a Catholic therapist, I see my role as God’s instrument in the healing process. My job involves bringing each person to Him and relying upon the wisdom and direction of the Holy Spirit to guide our work together.

I welcome all clients, regardless of background or faith tradition. I am here to meet you where you are. Faith is never forced, and regardless of where you are on your journey, you will be met with reverence and respect for your inherent human dignity.

Outside the counseling office, I enjoy the beach, writing, cooking/baking, and playing music.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts (Music & Psychology): St. Bonaventure University

  • Master of Arts (Clinical Mental Health Counseling): Fairfield University

Credentials

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - State of Connecticut

  • National Certified Counselor (NCC) - National Board of Certified Counselors

  • EMDR-trained - Intuitus Group

Professional Affiliation

  • Catholic Psychotherapy Association

Clinical Approach

Michelle primarily utilizes the following modalities (and draws from other modalities as appropriate):

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

A memory reconstruction therapy, utilized primarily in trauma processing, that has been extensively researched. For more information, check out the EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) website.

Polyvagal Theory

Conceptualizes the human nervous system and helps us understand emotional and behavioral patterns with curiosity, not judgment.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

A form of “parts” work that helps us name, relate to, and regulate our emotions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps to identify thoughts that contribute to unpleasant feelings, which lead to undesired behavior.

Specializations

Michelle has experience accompanying people in the following areas:

Anxiety

Trauma

Relationship Issues

Family-of-Origin Issues/Differentiation

Attachment Patterns

Life Transitions

Identity

Emotional Regulation

Grief

Self-esteem

Career Discernment

Spiritual Issues

About Veritas Counseling

Veritas Counseling’s mission is to be an agent of healing: mental, physical, and spiritual. We are housed within Crossroads Fitness in Columbia, CT, with direct access to the following services for referrals and coordination of care: