Meet Michelle (she/they)
Trauma Therapist in Concord, NC
Have you ever felt disconnected from yourself, unsure of who you are, or as if you’re constantly adjusting how you show up depending on the situation? Many people come to therapy feeling this way after experiencing trauma, abuse, or oppressive systems that shaped how they see themselves.
As a trauma therapist in Concord, NC, I help you reconnect with your authentic identity, understand the impact of your lived experiences, and begin to release the roles and expectations placed on you by others. Together, we work toward reducing anxiety, depression, and relational distress by addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms.
My goal is to support you in rebuilding self-trust, self-worth, and confidence so you can live in alignment with who you truly are.
As a queer, neurodivergent person growing up in an environment intent on molding me into anything but my true self, I understand feeling like you are not enough, you don’t fit in, or can’t do anything “right.”
In therapy, you will be met with empathy, understanding, and compassion for your life experience.
What is a holistic trauma therapist?
By using a holistic trauma approach in therapy sessions, we will go beyond the mind to incorporate all domains of your life including the physical, spiritual, social, relational, and political.
All areas of one’s life interconnect and impact the others!
For example, if you are struggling financially or physically, you will likely begin to feel a shift in your mental health which may look like anxiety or depression. If you have experienced religious abuse, you will probably struggle with forming relationships, trusting people, or expressing your emotions.
Instead of just learning to cope with unwanted symptoms, I also help you discover the root issues and learn actionable steps to making real change in your life.
As a holistic trauma therapist, I use a two-target approach.
First, we start in the present to process your current symptoms and stressors. We identify practical coping skills and strategies to better manage these difficulties.
Then, we then dig into the past. We identify the root of where these symptoms come from, process the trauma, and heal the parts that have been hurt and unheard for years. Through this healing, you will find strength, confidence, and connection to the authentic self you want to be.
If you’d like to learn more about working with a holistic trauma therapist, please schedule a free consultation below. I’d love to explore this with you!
Authenticity
Connection
Collaboration
Liberation-Based and Client-Led Therapy
By bringing a decolonial and liberation-based approach to psychotherapy, I tend to do things a bit differently than many therapists.
Western psychology teaches us to prioritize a diagnosis and a textbook that was written by a small, privileged group. Though there has been some progress within the mental health field, unfortunately, it is still saturated with the oppressive principles it was founded on.
We aren’t supposed to all look, act, think, and feel the same way. We aren’t going to respond the same to trauma, conflict, or stress. None of us will ever have the same life experience.
So why should therapy be the same for everyone?
You don’t have a disorder. You don’t have an illness. You are not broken or sick. You are a human being navigating the human experience.
I am not here to place a label on you. I’m not putting you in a box. I want to empower you to expand outside of the restraints society places on you. During our sessions, I take the time to get to really know you and understand your experience.
You get to choose what a healthy life looks like for you!
If you are curious about what therapy with a liberation-based trauma therapist could look like for you, please fill out the interest form below, and I will be happy to connect with you!
Values, Ethics, & Beliefs
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Liberation
I acknowledge and address how social injustice and systemic oppression impacts our personal health and well-being. I empower others to challenge these systems and reclaim their agency.
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Anti-racism
I acknowledge my privilege as a white person and make intentional effort to challenge racism especially in the mental health field and advocate for equity, equality, and accountability in the therapy space and within my community.
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Decolonialism
I oppose and work to dismantle much of standard Western mental health practices which are built on the foundation of colonial oppression and imposing a discriminatory standard of optimal health based on a select privileged group.
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Anti-oppression
I recognize and challenge the use of diagnoses and treatments that uphold systemic oppression rooted in racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism, and other forms of discrimination.
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Inclusion
I support individuals of all identities, races, cultures, religions, classes, bodies, abilities, and backgrounds. I provide a safe space for anyone to find genuine acceptance, validation, and healing.
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Compassion
I will never judge or shame anyone for their experience, feelings, or beliefs. I am here to provide empathy, support, and validation as we work together at your pace towards your goals.
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Autonomy
I believe you are the expert of your life experience. You will never be forced to share or do anything you are not completely comfortable with. I am not your authority but your partner in healing.
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Privacy
Therapy is a space to share and process your innermost feelings, thoughts, and experiences. I am honored to share this space with you and will never share your information without your request and informed consent.
Education & Licensure
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I received my MSW from the University of Central Florida. Throughout my program, I studied human behavior in the social environment, gender and sexuality, diverse populations, and healthcare ethics. I also completed supervised fieldwork in school social work and psychiatric inpatient healthcare.
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I am licensed in the state of NC as an LCSW through the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board. Under this professional license, I am able to provide various clinical services including assessments, diagnosis, and therapy. I am required to maintain my licensure with board-approved continuing education. As a social worker, I align my practice with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Any complaints regarding my practice can be filed with the board here.
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I am approved through The South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners to provide telehealth services to individuals within SC. My registration can be viewed at Social Work Telehealth Registration Listing.
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I am licensed in the state of VA as an LCSW through the Virginia Board of Social Work. Under this professional license, I am able to provide various clinical services including assessments, diagnosis, and therapy. I am required to maintain my licensure with board-approved continuing education. As a social worker, I align my practice with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.
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I hold certification through Evergreen Certifications as a CCTP-II: Complex Trauma. I have completed extensive training in providing therapeutic services to those healing from complex trauma. I am required to maintain this certification with annual education, training, and practice on current evidence-based trauma treatment.
The Person behind the Trauma Therapist!
After living most of my life in Florida, I now enjoy experiencing life in North Carolina! I absolutely love having all 4 seasons. I enjoy trying anything new like diverse foods, all kinds of music or art, or a new trail to hike! I am also a dog mama, sports fan, sci-fi nerd, lover of comedy, and a classically-trained pianist.
As a survivor of childhood trauma, religious trauma, and narcissistic abuse, I deeply understand these painful and disorienting experiences. My personal journey of healing and reclaiming my own identity was the catalyst to my professional training and expertise in this field.
I am now so fortunate that I get to do what I love as a trauma therapist by helping others in their own personal healing, providing mental health education, and advocating for oppressed and marginalized communities. I would love to explore if I can support you, too!
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” ― Angela Davis
Therapy Services in Concord, NC
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Childhood Trauma Therapy
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Religious Trauma Therapy
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Narcissistic Abuse Therapy
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LGBTQIA+ Therapy
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Polyamory Therapy
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Depression Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Trauma Therapist in Concord, NC
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If you are interested in beginning trauma therapy, you can complete the interest form to get started! You can also email me at michelle@radicalserenity.com or call/text me at 980-202-2480.
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No, a consultation is not required but is encouraged to make sure we are the best fit before you complete paperwork and pay for a full appointment. If you would rather ask some questions over email or phone, we can also do that! Otherwise, if you feel ready to to jump in, we can schedule your first appointment right away!
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I integrate a combination of evidence-based therapeutic modalities including Gestalt theory, Psychodynamic theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic work, Polyvagal theory, and mindfulness. My approach is person-centered, compassion focused, trauma informed, and culturally celebrated.
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All trauma therapy sessions are currently online and are available to all adults (18+) throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. We meet using a HIPAA-compliant and secure video conferencing platform which can be accessed on any device with access to the internet. Online therapy offers you flexibility to have your sessions from the comfort of home or anywhere that works best for you!
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When beginning trauma therapy, weekly 60-minute sessions are most effective. This helps create consistency, accountability, and the ability to measure progress. Many clients find this helpful for the first 3-6 months. Once you feel confident in your progress, sessions are typically reduced to every other week. The timeline looks different for everyone, and we will collaborate together on ensuring your therapy is most effective for you.
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60-min Online Therapy Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . $165
90-min Online Therapy Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250
All payments are due at time of service. -
Debit, credit, and HSA/FSA payments are accepted.
All services are private pay only. Reduced rates may be available upon request.