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My name is Michelle Charness-Adams, and I have my LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), as well as a PsyD (doctorate in clinical psychology) and my JD in law. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to live their best life and that therapy can help you achieve this in a nurturing, empathic, and caring environment. I strive to aid clients in their journey toward self-awareness, acceptance, and self-love in an environment based on trust, safety, and validation. My clinical focus is on issues of trauma, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), abuse, grief, domestic violence, self-esteem, couples dynamics, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, I have a blog on Psychology Today regarding the intersection of law and mental health.
My approach
My clinical approach with clients is to provide a safe, nurturing, and empathic environment that enables individuals to feel accepted, validated, and comfortable in processing their feelings and emotions. It is crucial for me that a client feel seen and heard by me as their therapist. I use the following theoretical approaches in my work, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, trauma-focused, affect regulation, and mindfulness.
My focus
As a clinician, I see various clients, including young adults, adults, and seniors. My clinical focus is on issues of trauma, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), abuse, grief, domestic violence, self-esteem, couples dynamics, and suicidal ideation.
My communication style
It is my aim that clients feel seen and heard when working with me. I create an environment based on safety, nurturing, and empathy so clients can process their feelings and emotions in a non-judgmental, accepting, and validating atmosphere that encourages self-discovery and self-worth.
My journey to mental healthcare
I began my professional career as a prosecutor specializing in rape, abuse, and domestic violence cases. After doing this work for some time, I was most interested in the psychological pain of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. I returned to school first to obtain an LCSW and later a PsyD to work clinically with clients. I feel so blessed to get to do this work, as it's my passion to support individuals on their journey of self-acceptance and self-love.
My goals for you
My clients set the tone for what goals they hope to achieve in therapy. While I am very present with how I work therapeutically with individuals, ultimately, the client's agenda and pace will dictate the direction of our work together.
My first session with you
In the first session, I aim for clients to feel safe, validated, and connected with me as they discuss what brings them to therapy and what they hope to get out of it.
