Michelle Howard, LMSW
CLINICAL THERAPIST
She/Her
Locations: Eastwood Office
Specialties:
LGBTQIA+
Identity
Neurodiversity
Self-Esteem and Body Image
Self-Harm
Anxiety and Depression
Works With: Pre-Teens, Teens, Adults
Email: michelleh@rootedcounselingmi.com
Hey there,
I BECAME A THERAPIST BECAUSE WE ALL DESERVE TO FEEL AT HOME IN OUR BODIES AND MINDS.
I primarily work with highly sensitive persons, skeptics and deep thinkers throughout Michigan who are looking to be in a better relationship with themselves and with others around them. I may be a good fit for you if you’re feeling overwhelmed, not good enough, disconnected from yourself or others, have a trauma history or childhood abuse/neglect history and/or have trouble staying in your body.
I am an LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity-affirming therapist and work with pre-teens, teens and adults. I specialize in treating self-esteem and body image issues, depression, self-harm, stress, anxiety and identity based issues. I work from a person-in-environment and strength based perspective. I also utilize systems theory or thinking which means I recognize oppressive systems that we exist within and how this can impact our well being.
I’m here to create a safe, comfortable and welcoming space for us to attune to the work of your unique journey. I view the therapeutic space as a collaborative and consent-based process. I strongly believe that therapy isn’t about “fixing” yourself, rather it’s about slowing down, attunement and learning and unlearning. My therapeutic approach is empowering, compassionate, curious, direct and non-judgmental.
I have training in evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I have training and experience in mindfulness-based practices to cultivate greater self-compassion and to manage stress. At times I utilize art and play therapy as well. We’ll work together to determine what approaches and strategies are best fit for your goals.
Outside of work, you can find me spending time with my partner, our 3 cats and my family. I like to read fiction and non-fiction books. I enjoy trying new food and cooking or baking something messy and involved. When it’s warm I spend most of my time outdoors and am always looking for new ways to move my body. I am a beginner gardener. Last but certainly not least, I have a lot of fun playing tabletop board games and video games.
Education: I received a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Central Michigan University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan.
