Hello

Michele is a licensed clinical professional counselor and has provided psychiatric treatment in the Snake River Valley since 2000. She graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Forestry and Experiential Recreation. She went on to get a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a focus in marriage and family at Idaho State University.  Michele is a trained hypno-therapist, certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy for trauma resolution, and licensed officiant (in case you need someone to perform a marriage ceremony).  She is in the process of being certified in animal assisted treatment and psychedelic integration therapy.  Michele uses a mix of empathy, curiosity, and humor during sessions as you work together to accomplish your treatment goals. She takes a client centered, solution focused approach to therapy with a sprinkling of attachment theory. She believes everyone gets to decide their own values and maintains a very non-judgmental approach when working with you.

Michele has lived in Southeast Idaho most of her life. She appreciates the challenges and struggles related to Southeast Idaho’s cold, short winter days, the predominate culture, and religious considerations of the area. She understands small towns and rural living. Michele grew up in Jefferson County on a farm with 20 cows, a few lamas, 40 acres of hay, too many raspberry bushes, and a wood burning stove. She and her brothers had the opportunity to chop wood, move pipe, build and then fix fence, feed and herd livestock, pick up acres of cobble stones, and shovel tons of snow. The farm theory childrearing implemented by an attorney and a schoolteacher seems to have been a success.

Michele adores her family, especially her first grand baby, close friends, her three Aussies and two tiny mutts. She loves to be outdoors with her hands in the dirt planting or digging. Michele enjoys camping, kayaking, and target shooting. During the winter you can find her sewing, attempting to piece quilts, making jewelry, and reading the latest John Sanford or Lee Child novel. Michele might have a china (dishes) and tea towel addiction which she is certain is genetic. She is passionate about traveling, history and learning about other cultures.  Michele has visited most of the countries on her bucket list with a few that need to be visited a second, third or eleventh time. Spending time in nature never ceases to instill a sense of quite peace and wonder. Michele is patriotic and proud to have immediate and extended family who are veterans or are currently serving in the military

and law enforcement.

Michele started to experience chronic pain in her back and hips around 2013.  After undergoing multiple surgeries, Michele found she was unable to participate in her favorite outdoor activities of running marathons, downhill skiing, and overnight hiking or even hiking for any length of time.  She struggled with the loss of no longer being able to participate in the activities she thought defined her and that she has always turned to when feeling anxious and/or upset. Michele continued to struggle with ongoing pain despite surgery and eventually developed treatment resistive depression.  Having tried most treatment options, Michele finally engaged in ketamine assisted treatment (KAT) to help ease her psychiatric symptoms. Something wonderful happened.  No, she isn’t running marathons, but no longer grieving the loss and she is using lift ticket money to buy fabric or airfare. There are still days filled with pain, but the darkness has lifted.  Joy, wonder, and hope have returned. 

Michele is excited to join you on your journey to find your best self and live your best life.  There are many paths to choose from and she would be honored to be your traveling companion.