At the intersection of my expertise as a psychotherapist, coach, facilitator, and let’s just say dedicated student of life’s many lessons on love, I’ve come to believe the best most effective self-help and systemic change involves developing skills to better understand and manage our emotions in the service of improved modes of relating. My experience tells me relationships are where we become who we are, and that this process of becoming gets to be lifelong.

When we increase our capacity for softness and strength, empathy and accountability, kindness and courage, we improve our relationships and have better outcomes. I call this the “soft, strong, secure, practice.” The principles at the heart of this approach include: leading with generous assumptions and a goal to understand and connect; leaning into our truth and claiming our desires, needs, and limits; and landing in a grounded and steady sense of self.

This is tough and tender work that inevitably takes support. On this site you’ll find various types of resources and services I offer; thank you for being here and your interest. Below you can learn more about my credentials and affiliations. What is not listed: several teachers and mentors who have had tremendous influence; many people and experiences that have shaped me; and the partner, kid, and pup who teach me about wholehearted living and loving daily.

  • Associate Certified Coach (ACC), International Coaching Federation (IFC)

  • Wayfinder Coach, Martha Beck, Inc.

  • Certified Facilitator in The Daring Way™ (CDWF), Brené Brown Education and Research Group

  • Certified PIVOT Coach (CPC), Lori Jean Glass, LLC

  • Certified Equine Interaction Professional in Mental Health (CEIP-MH)

  • Certified Facilitator in Feeding Your Demons® (FYD), Lama Tsultrim Allione

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California (LMFT)

  • Access Institute of San Francisco Postgraduate Fellowship Alumni (Class of 2008)

  • M.A., Clinical Psychology, The New College of California

  • B.A., English Literature, Lake Erie College

Hi, I’m Michelle, and I believe we all have the right and responsibility to develop skills for loving well.