“My goal is to help couples overcome obstacles in their relationship so that they can create a stronger connection with each other, have a deeper understanding of one another, and create long- lasting change. “
Who Do You Work With?
• Couples who want to improve their communication and feel more connected to their partner.
• Couples who have goals for the relationship but are unsure of how to get there.
• Adults who are healing from a recent betrayal.
• Adolescents who are learning to navigate relationships with friends, family members, romantic partners, and themselves.
What Happens In Therapy?
I believe that you have the best relationships when you are showing up as your authentic self. This can be a difficult feat when you have received messages from family members, romantic partners or others that parts of you are unacceptable or unlovable. My goal is to help each person reconnect with their internal world and navigate your relationships mindfully and intentionally.
As a marriage counselor, I uphold that relationships are vital to human health and well-being. It is easier to be our “best selves” when we know we have someone by our side no matter what. In couples therapy I help you navigate a deeper, more connecting relationship through self-awareness, open and honest communication, healthy boundaries, and mutual respect. I am passionate about what I do and dedicated to growing alongside my clients!
What Is Your Background?
I have a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University. I am also a certified Betrayal Trauma Therapist and have experience working with Sexual Addiction and out-of-control sexual behaviors. The majority of my experience has involved working with couples struggling with communication, conflict resolution, betrayal, and infidelity.
Online Counseling with Michaela
With the stay-at-home orders currently in place, Michaela is happy to offer online counseling so that you can get the help you need for yourself or your relationship in the comfort of your own home. Our clinic uses confidential and secure telehealth services to make sure that your online counseling is private and secure. Just because Covid-19 is occurring, doesn’t mean your mental health needs have stopped. In fact, these unprecedented times can create even more stress and uncertainty. Michaela is available to help you through online counseling or in-person. Click on the Schedule Appointment above to setup an appointment with Michaela and get your life headed back in the right direction.
What Are Your Favorite Things To Do When You Are Not Counseling?
–Spending time with friends and family members, taking in the present moment
–Playing with my Shih-poo Macy!
–Listening to podcasts about self-improvement and fostering healthy relationships (Yes, I have recommendations!)
–Exploring the beautiful state of Colorado!
–Eating good food/Drinking good drinks or thinking about eating good food/drinking good drinks.
Checkout Michaela’s Latest Articles and Tips
Michaela Focuses On
Marriage and Couples Counseling
Michaela believes that healthy relationship can have a positive impact on all areas of your life. . Michaela seeks to understand the pain both partners are experiencing and help you identify emotions, vulnerabilities and behaviors that keep you stuck in conflict – all while creating a little bit of humor, too
Betrayal Trauma
It’s hard to explain to others the pain you feel when you discover your partner, family member of friend has betrayed you. Michaela is a certified betrayal trauma therapist and uses evidence based interventions to help you understand your responses to the trauma and work towards healing.
Family counseling
Michaela acknowledges the importance of all relationships within your family. Michaela creates space for your family to better understand one another and learn to better manage conflict. Michaela works with children as young as 12 years old.
The Downside of People Pleasing
My clients often struggle to grasp how their desire to please others at the expense of themselves keeps them stuck. Many of these individuals grew up in families where it was unsafe to share their emotions or opinions. Others received the most love and praise when they were “helping” or “being a good kid”. Regardless… Continue Reading
Complaining Constructively
Communicating needs and complaints with you partner early, can help protect against resentment. However, many of my clients struggle to bring up complaints in a way that their partner can hear and understand. Some “pick their battles” too carefully, because they are afraid that bringing up complaints will lead to conflict. Others are afraid to… Continue Reading
Common Unhealthy Ways of Coping with Fear After Betrayal
Betrayals in romantic partnerships are traumatic. They can leave you in a state of fear, constantly questioning your partner and doubting your own judgment. When a reminder of the betrayal triggers fear, it can lead to a spiral of worse case scenario thinking. This spiral is often followed by ineffective attempts to gain control of… Continue Reading