“Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?”
-Charles Budowski
You don’t have to keep carrying the weight of other’s expectations, traumatic experiences, or the pressure to perform. Healing begins with the courage to pause, look inward, and rediscover the truest version of yourself.
WELCOME TO FIVE OAKS
At Five Oaks, I take inspiration from the oak tree. Growth often starts quietly, like an acorn planted in the soil—small, fragile, and full of potential. Over time, tension and challenge, paired with care and nurturing, help it develop strong roots, a resilient trunk, and the ability to weather storms. Therapy is a space where you can experience that same process: tending to yourself, facing challenges, and growing into your most authentic, resilient self.
Life can leave us carrying wounds that linger far longer than we expect. On the outside, you might appear to be “fine”—handling responsibilities, keeping it all together—but inside, it can feel heavy, confusing, or exhausting. You might notice:
Feeling disconnected, numb, or unsure how to access your emotions.
Carrying shame or self-blame that won’t let go. A very loud “critic.”
Questioning who you are, or feeling like your sense of self has slipped away. “Gut-washed.”
Feeling anxious, on edge, or unable to truly relax.
Finding yourself stuck in the same patterns, relationships, or behaviors, even when you want something different.
These experiences often grow out of patterns that once helped you survive—strategies that protected you in difficult times but now leave you feeling trapped or disconnected. Other times, it’s a quiet sense that something important is missing, even if you can’t quite name it.
For decades, I’ve guided people through these journeys—helping them untangle difficult emotions, recognize patterns that no longer serve them, and reclaim their voice and sense of self. Together, we honor the ways you’ve survived, clear space for growth, and create room for connection, freedom, and strength.
I’m here to walk alongside you, to help you find your voice, your power, and your place to grow—stronger, freer, and more fully you.
I offer compassionate, individualized therapy for adults, creating a space to explore, heal, and grow.
Areas of focus include:
Religious trauma and experiences in high-control faith communities
Narcissistic or relational abuse, including adult children of parents with personality disorders
Complex trauma, shame, and self-trust
Identity exploration and self-discovery
Relationship challenges
Anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation
Life transitions and periods of change including holistic midlife
Grief, loss, and processing difficult experiences
Let’s connect and see if we’re a good match.
Hi, I’m Michelle!
I’m a therapist, mentor, and coach with over 20 years of experience supporting people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. You’re likely here because you’re looking for more than someone to listen—you want a guide who helps you make sense of your experiences, reclaim your voice, and build a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
I work with people navigating anxiety, relational patterns, spiritual or narcissistic abuse, burnout, or lingering shame. My approach is compassionate, curiosity-driven, and practical. Together, we’ll explore why you do what you do, honor how you’ve survived, and create new patterns rooted in self-trust, clarity, and emotional freedom.
This is a space where you can slow down, be fully seen, and take steps toward healing and growth. If you’re ready to reconnect with yourself, set healthy boundaries, and grow into your fullest self, I’ll walk alongside you—at a pace that honors your story and your strength.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
My academic background is in Exercise Science and minor in Psychology from the University of Southern California, completed by a Masters in Clinical Psychology. My mental health counselor license is with the state of Washington (License #: LH60868955). I hold certifications in the Gottman Method, Emotional Focused Therapy, Narrative Focused Trauma Care, the Mindsight Institute, Neuro Mastery, and the Integrative Enneagram. My experience includes thousands of hours of one-on-one coaching, leadership training, and team engagements.
I am a mother to five remarkable adults, living in the Pacific Northwest with my handsome partner. In addition to meeting clients one-on-one, I develop leaders through workshops and keynotes. Check out my book, "Cracked Open: A Journey to a Resilient and Independent Mindset." Outside of work, you can find me enjoying coffee shops, exploring diverse cultures through food and travel, and cheering on my favorite teams from the bleachers.
“OWNING OUR STORY AND LOVING OURSELVES THROUGH THAT PROCESS IS THE BRAVEST THING WE WILL EVER DO.”
—Brene Brown, Ph.D.
FAQ’s
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I work with individuals who have experienced religious or spiritual trauma, narcissistic or relational abuse, anxiety, shame, or identity struggles. This includes executives and professionals who are ready to make meaningful change.
My clients are seeking to heal, set boundaries, reconnect with their True Self, and build lives rooted in authenticity and resilience.
I also support clinicians and professionals looking for tools to help others navigate these challenges.
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Research shows that the best predictor of successful therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. We might be a good fit if you value a nonjudgmental, empathetic therapist with a good sense of humor. I work best with clients who are ready to change and willing to put in the effort.
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Much of my work overlaps in modalities as we are whole beings who have past, present and future lives.
Coaching and therapy both offer valuable support, but they serve different purposes. Therapy is focused on healing, helping you address emotional challenges and work through past experiences that may be holding you back. It’s a space for reflection, healing, and growth.
Coaching, on the other hand, is more action-oriented and future-focused. It’s designed to help you set and achieve goals, navigate transitions, and create positive change in your life. While therapy works to heal past wounds, coaching empowers you to move forward with clarity and confidence.
No matter where you are on your journey, I am here to help you make progress, whether you're healing, growing, or working toward your next chapter.
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Life is busy—and therapy should be accessible. I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant teletherapy for women across Washington. Whether you’re in Seattle, Spokane, or a cozy coastal town, you can receive high-quality care that fits your schedule and your life.
I offer coaching outside of Washington state through convenient online sessions, providing a supportive, virtual space where we can explore your challenges, uncover your strengths, and work together toward creating meaningful change—no matter where you are.
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I am an out-of-network provider, so please check with your insurance company to see if they offer partial coverage for psychotherapy services. My practice is private pay, and I do not bill insurance directly.
I can provide a superbill for services, which you can submit for out-of-network benefits or possibly for workplace wellness or professional development reimbursement. Fees can be paid via cash, check, credit/debit, or HSA.
If you wish to pursue reimbursement, your insurance company will typically require a mental health diagnosis. I will discuss this with you and provide guidance as needed.
It’s a good idea to call your insurance company to confirm coverage. Helpful questions include:
What is the reimbursement rate for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
How many outpatient mental health sessions are covered per year?
What is my deductible, and has it been met?