Michelle - Owner and Psychotherapist
Michelle received her Masters in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2007 and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. She believes finding a therapist you feel safely connected to and understood by is the key to a successful therapy experience. Michelle prides herself on being an authentic, non-judgmental therapist, who is down-to-Earth & not afraid to use humor or a gentle nudge in her approach. Her style is active, collaborative, and empowering, focusing on finding solutions together by utilizing your strengths and fostering insight in a relaxed and safe environment.
Michelle has over 18 years of experience working with a wide variety of issues, ranging from depression and anxiety to domestic violence and eating disorders. She worked for over three years in community mental health where she provided individual and group psychotherapy, case management, and psychoeducational groups to a wide variety of clients. Michelle also spent over two years working extensively with clients who had severe eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and anxiety disorders at Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization levels of care. She has been in private practice for the past 12 years and enjoys working with a broad range of clientele.
In addition to ongoing continuing education, Michelle has received additional training in CBT, DBT, and ACT. She has completed the Illinois 40 Hour Domestic Violence Training and Postpartum Support International’s Mental Health Certificate. Michelle's therapeutic interests include infertility and perinatal disorders, relationship and dating difficulties, family of origin issues, narcissistic abuse, life transitions, and working with emerging adults, introverts, & highly sensitive people (HSP).
Michelle loves animals, iced coffee, sweets, and she is obsessed with wiener dogs. She herself is an HSP and INFJ. Memes are her love language.
Ernie - Chief Barking Officer
Ernie is a 1.5 year old miniature dachshund. As Chief Barking Officer, Ernie leads with unmatched vocal precision, alerting the household to every potential threat—from delivery trucks to sneaky squirrels. With a natural talent for high-decibel alerts and an enthusiastic approach to security, the CBO ensures no sound goes unnoticed. When not on duty, Ernie enjoys the finer things in life: cuddles, long naps, and sunbathing in the coziest spots. He is a very good boy.
Halle - Director of General Mischief
Halle is a mischievous mastermind and a certified derp, specializing in chaos with charm. Known for harassing Ernie at every turn, she’s a master of strategic mayhem—whether it's chewing things she shouldn’t, hijacking telehealth sessions, or loudly meowing at the door. When she's not keeping her humans on their toes, she enjoys sunbathing, high-altitude perch sitting, and begging for more food.