Ava Michael

I decided to become a counselor because I know firsthand how impactful it can be to have the right support during difficult seasons of life. Living with chronic illness has given me a deeper understanding of the emotional challenges that can come with circumstances outside of our control, and my own positive experience with therapy showed me the value of having a space to feel heard, understood, and supported. Those experiences inspired me to provide that same kind of space for others and help clients better understand themselves, build resilience, and feel more confident navigating life’s challenges.

I work best with teens,adults, and elderly who are navigating anxiety, depression, chronic illness, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, or periods of feeling overwhelmed or stuck. I especially enjoy working with clients who tend to overthink, put pressure on themselves, struggle with boundaries, or feel disconnected from themselves. I value working with clients who are open to selfexploration and want both a supportive space to process their experiences and practical tools they can use in their everyday lives.

I wish every client knew that healing isn’t linear, and you don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to ask for support. Therapy is not about “fixing” yourself—it’s about understanding yourself more deeply, recognizing patterns with curiosity rather than judgment, and learning tools that help you navigate life in a way that feels more authentic and manageable.

Our first session is really about getting to know each other and helping you feel comfortable. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what’s been going on in your life, and what you’d like to get out of our time together. I know it can feel a little uncomfortable opening up to someone new, so I never expect you to come in and share everything right away. As we continue working together, we’ll start to notice patterns, figure out what may be keeping you stuck, and find tools that actually feel realistic for your life. I want therapy to feel like a space where you can be yourself, feel heard, and know that we’re working together.

My own experience living with chronic illness has had a meaningful impact on the way I show up as a therapist. I understand how difficult it can be when life doesn’t look the way you expected it to, especially when you’re navigating challenges that others may not fully see or understand. Having my own positive experience with therapy also showed me how powerful it can be to have someone truly listen without judgment. I bring that perspective into my work by valuing authenticity, compassion, and meeting people where they are rather than where they think they “should” be.

I don’t believe therapy should look the same for everyone. I take the time to get to know each client as a whole person—what they’ve been through, what matters to them, what they’re struggling with, and what they want to change. From there, I pull from different approaches, including CBT, DBT-informed skills, mindfulness, somatic techniques, and self-compassion, based on what feels most helpful for that individual. Some clients need practical tools and structure, while others need more space to process, reflect, and feel heard. Most often, it’s a combination of both, and we can adjust our work together as your needs and goals change.