Education

I was born in Memphis, TN and have since lived in Kentucky, Florida, and Indiana

before returning to Tennessee. My husband and I have been married for nearly 38

years. While we were not able to have children, we have nurtured a bunch of four-

leggers and have managed to have some amazing young people in our lives. If I’m not

doing therapy, I 

I was born in Memphis, TN and have since lived in Kentucky, Florida, and Indiana

before returning to Tennessee. My husband and I have been married for nearly 38

years. While we were not able to have children, we have nurtured a bunch of four-

leggers and have managed to have some amazing young people in our lives. If I’m not

doing therapy, I generally have one hand on an animal while the other is holding a book.

My first approach to any new client (with very rare exceptions) is person-centered. I

want each client to feel free to relax, tell their story, and feel accepted. I have joked that

I want a first therapy session to feel like tea with Aunt Michelle. From there, we may

move into psychoeducation, psychodynamics, problem-solving, feminist therap

My first approach to any new client (with very rare exceptions) is person-centered. I

want each client to feel free to relax, tell their story, and feel accepted. I have joked that

I want a first therapy session to feel like tea with Aunt Michelle. From there, we may

move into psychoeducation, psychodynamics, problem-solving, feminist therapy,

systems-oriented perspectives, or CBT-based techniques. Metaphor, language-based

media, or art activities may be incorporated for those who are interested.

I love helping people through life transitions, whether leaving for college, becoming an

empty nester, or the adjustments that come with aging. I also enjoy working with

women’s issues, LGBTQIA+ concerns, the human/animal bond, and grief, particularly

infertility and perinatal loss. Please feel free simply to be yourself!