Michelle Fagan LPC

Relationship issues are frequently rooted in our attachment patterns that we developed in childhood. To understand these patterns, it is often helpful to identify which of your needs were met, and were not met. My approach to relationship issues is rooted in Dr. Diane Poole Heller's attachment styles, which is reinforced by my completion of the training Attachment in Psychotherapy facilitated Dr. Diane Poole Heller and Dr. David Wallin.

My approach to therapy is wholly trauma-informed. In session, this looks like non-judgment and empowerment for clients. You are the expert of your experience. My role is to walk with you on your healing journey, offering insights and encouraging exploration throughout. This approach is founded in my graduate degree in International Disaster Psychology, along with more than 10 years of experience working with trauma survivors including domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

Many self-esteem problems are rooted in limiting beliefs about yourself that developed when you were younger. To build confidence and self-worth, it is important to rewrite and embody new narratives that are founded in self-love. Limiting beliefs are part of many theoretical models I have studied including CBT and IFS. Internal Family Systems is the main approach I use, in which I completed a training for in 2020.

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma therapy approach used to reduce the effects of trauma symptoms and the beliefs you adopt about yourself due to them. EMDR is an effective approach for people who have experienced repeated or single-instance trauma and can safely be facilitated virtually. I completed my EMDR training in 2020 through CompassionWorks LLC.

I have been using IFS as my main therapeutic approach since 2020. In my experience, it has been effective for a variety of clients and presenting issues including trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, and perfectionism. I have completed multiple IFS trainings starting in 2019 and stay up-to-date on the latest publications about IFS.

Research continues to support the importance of embodiment to create deep and last healing for mental health concerns. I use my knowledge of nervous system regulation, mindfulness-based practices, and polyvagal theory to help my clients better understand what is happening in both their mind and bodies. I have attended a number of trainings addressing the somatic components of healing with leading experts like Janine Fisher, Bessel van der Kolk, and Diane Poole Heller.