Michelle’s Approach

My work is trauma-centered. This framework may be helpful for you even if you do not identify as surviving trauma since anxiety, panic attacks, depression, intense emotions, difficulties with adjustments, low self-esteem and unwanted behaviors often stem from upsetting past events, loss, or trauma. (These events can be individual incidents, longer-term relationships or interpersonal dynamics, jarring experiences, systems of oppression, intergenerational trauma, racism and institutional harm.) 

I am trained in specific techniques to manage symptoms AND foster healing and growth. My treatment approach is also grounded in relational, attachment, and somatic and polyvagal theories and framed by social justice and anti-oppression work. If we work together, we will work collaboratively as you cultivate insight, heal relationships, control upsetting emotions, change behaviors, receive validation and support, and make positive changes in your life no matter what symptoms you are experiencing. Our work together may also include some combination of the following according to your needs:

 

Who I work with

I work with individuals 18 years of age and older. I welcome and am committed to working with people of all genders and sexual identities, BIPOC individuals, and with a Health at Every Size framework.

Due to my license, I can only work with people who are in Massachusetts. I do work with some past people for DBT coaching - not therapy - who may be residing in other locales.

 

intensive Format

I have been offering individual intensives for over 10 years, using a relational approach to EMDR as a core trauma-processing intervention. Intensives are appropriate for people with a specific concern that they would like to focus on, people who would like to do a chunk of trauma processing at once, or for people who may live out of the area. I have used this format with:

  • creatives, artists and/or academics who are trying to make a shift in their work

  • folks who have survived complex or single incident trauma (s) or other upsetting events

  • people healing from racism and/or intergenerational trauma

  • others who are working to shift interpersonal dynamics or behaviors of some kind

Working in an intensive format can save you months or years of treatment. It helps you heal from past wounds and move beyond just coping with concerns or behaviors that may be getting in your way.

Intensives are currently NOT covered by insurance. I can provide a super bill and you may be able to get reimbursement for the intake and integration sessions.

For a new client, an intensive is:

  • One initial 15 minute phone call

  • One 90 minute intake session

  • Two, 3-hour therapy sessions, most likely using EMDR integrated with other techniques

  • One 60 Minute Integration Session scheduled two weeks after the second therapy session

  • Cost is $1650 total for 8 hours of clinical services

For a returning or existing client, an intensive would not include the intake and is $1500.

I can schedule during the week and occasionally, on the weekends. I can also occasionally book both therapy sessions in one day if you are traveling from out-of-state. Intensives can be online or in person.

You can read more about intensives here, written by Dr. Ricky Greenwald, the director of the Trauma Institute and researcher on the intensive method.

 

Weekly Format

All of my weekly slots are currently full. Most my associates currently are taking new clients.

Insurances I accept: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, Medicare, Medicare/Masshealth, Tufts, Tufts Direct (Masshealth) and I can bill as an "out of network provider" if your insurance plan offers these benefits. I can also supply a super bill.

Group format

Upcoming Fall 2024/Spring 2025:

October 25th 2-5pm EST Group EMDR for “SCANXIETY” (anxiety related to post-cancer scans/assessments) for breast/chest cancer survivors. 1 hour pre-group individual screening required

Group EMDR for Vicarious Traumatization (for therapists)

Group EMDR for Pet Loss