Michele Clark,Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hi, my name is Michele Clark and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over twenty years of experience working in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, private practices, and community programs. I have been a School Social Worker for 18 years and provide individual and group social work services to students in general education and special education program. I specialize in anxiety and depressive disorders and I assist my clients with managing life stressors that can cause emotional distress. I have a special interest in women’s issues and working with teenage girls. I genuinely enjoy supporting teens and young adults in enhancing their self-esteem and social and emotional well-being.

I tailor treatment to meet the individual needs of my clients. I employ an eclectic approach and draw from various treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness techniques. I help clients identify maladaptive behavior and thought patterns and incorporate healthy coping strategies. I am strength-based and solution-focused and work collaboratively with clients to develop treatment goals. I feel it is imperative for clients to feel empowered to take an active role in the therapeutic process. I utilize a holistic approach focusing on my client’s self-care and overall wellness. This includes their physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being.

I have a passion for working with adolescents and college-age young adults. This time in one’s life can be very confusing and stressful, resulting in negative thought patterns and low self-esteem. My collaborative approach and genuine nature help to develop rapport with teens and young adults. I have found tailoring treatment to meet my client’s individual needs is most effective to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression. I strive to assist my clients in identifying unhealthy habits and thought patterns and incorporate self-care and healthy coping strategies into their daily lives, so they can be their best authentic selves. My calming disposition and genuine nature allow my clients to feel comfortable during sessions. I strive to create a therapeutic environment in which clients feel they have a safe space to share challenges they may be experiencing. I am committed to assisting clients to achieve social and emotional stability.

I have always had a fascination with human behavior and what motivates individuals. In high school I thoroughly enjoyed Psychology and Sociology classes, resulting in my continued pursuit of higher education in a helping profession. I find helping people to be incredibly intrinsically rewarding. Throughout my life, I had a strong desire to assist others, whether that was as a camp counselor, peer mentor, youth counselor, or supportive friend. These experiences strengthened my desire to become a clinical social worker specializing in working with teens and young adults.

I seek to develop a collaborative relationship with my clients, so they take an active role in developing their treatment goals and monitoring their progress towards their goals. During the first session, I will conduct an initial assessment to obtain information on why you are seeking services and learn what past support you have attempted. I will discuss the therapeutic process and confidentiality. I will also discuss the importance of having a quiet and private space within your home for your telehealth sessions. The goal of the first session is to develop rapport and address any questions or concerns you may have about therapy. The information obtained during our first session will help us determine goals together and monitor progress in future sessions.