Hi, I'm Michaela, a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, D.C. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, religious trauma, and significant life transitions. My background in crisis response and community-based mental health care has shaped my understanding of how relationships, personal experiences, and environments influence emotional well-being.

My approach is holistic, trauma-informed, and collaborative. I strive to create a space where you can speak openly, question long-held beliefs, and explore difficult emotions without fear of judgment. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and solution-focused techniques, we'll look beyond immediate symptoms to better understand how your experiences have shaped the way you see yourself and the world. I believe healing involves not only developing practical tools but also making room to rediscover parts of yourself that may have been silenced or overlooked.

I'm particularly passionate about supporting individuals healing from religious trauma and navigating the complexities of identity, faith, and changing belief systems. I recognize that questioning what you've always known can bring conflicting emotions, including grief, uncertainty, and even relief. My hope is to offer a space where you can explore those experiences without pressure to arrive at a particular conclusion or define who you should become.