Michelle Sum, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Michelle!

Congrats on doing something extremely difficult by reaching out for help. I'm here to support you through whatever internal or external battle you may be facing. No judgment or personal agenda—just a safe space to talk, explore, and get back to feeling like you again.

My focus

I help people navigate some of the most vulnerable and taxing moments in their lives. Supporting others through trauma, grief, and the journey to self-love are especially rewarding. I thoroughly enjoy working with teens and young adults trying to find their place in the world.

My approach

While I rely heavily on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, I recognize one size doesn't fit all. I adapt my approach to fit your needs, which may include narrative and processing therapy or motivational interviewing to build motivation for change. I use a strength-based approach to help you see the progress and positive changes you sometimes miss.

My communication style

Overall, my communication style is warm and friendly. I try to be direct and keep things simple whenever possible, but I may repeat things from time to time to help information really sink in. I also try to be as authentically myself as possible to help strengthen trust and the therapeutic relationship.

My journey to mental healthcare

I experienced depression on top of the usual teenage stressors. I took a psychology class and was hooked. What began as a personal journey to better understand myself evolved into a rewarding career. I still love working with teens and young adults because I remember how difficult and isolating that time of life can be.

My goals for you

Together we establish goals to stay aligned and focused on what we want to achieve. I offer psycho-education and validation to help you understand how certain symptoms may have developed. I provide tools to manage symptoms and explore underlying thoughts or beliefs contributing to unwanted feelings or behaviors.

Our first session

I take time to get to know you and begin building a trusting relationship—after all, the relationship is key to meaningful change. This often includes gathering information about your childhood and other significant life experiences. I encourage you to ask questions about me or the therapeutic process.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Attachment-based

Brainspotting

Child/Parent Psychotherapy

Dialectical (DBT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Gottman Method

Motivational Interviewing

Sex Therapy

+ 9 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

Police/Fire/First Responders

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

Sex Worker

Sex-Positive/Kink

+ 5 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Minors
Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 59 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master's in Counseling (MC) in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Sacramento.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Michelle Sum