Michelle Kos

Being a woman I can relate to concerns that may be faced by other women enabling me to empathize and have experience in facing some of these challenges. I have worked with many women struggling with the issues we face as women including but not limited to aging, identity as an individual versus being a wife and/or mother, medical challenges specific to women, challenges in the workforce, etc.

At times we may all struggle with self-esteem. This is a common challenge I come across with my clients and one that is exacerbated by being too hard on ourselves. It is important to dig into the root of what brings the self-esteem challenges in order to work to bring a higher level of confidence. I work with my clients to encourage them to have more grace with themselves in order to begin to see their worth and shift their self-esteem. It is a process but it is possible!

Sometimes careers can be a main source of our identity. Work is a large part of our lives in some cases, this makes career challenges such an integral part of therapy for some individuals. We work together to uncover what the issues are they are facing and take small steps to work toward resolution. We explore how work is effecting other aspects of their life including mental health and what would help improve this balance. Some common areas of focus may be boundaries and communication at work

Each client is different and therapy is not a one size fits all scenario. It is imperative to me that treatment matches the clients needs and sometimes the need does not just require one form of treatment.

Clients need to see their own potential. They sometimes need to be asked tough questions and be brought to see their strengths on their own. Clients are better able to see and believe their own potential if they are able to identify it themselves. I always want to empower my clients to find their own path and encounter change/growth on their own terms.

Shifting mindset and behavior are two critical effective areas in therapy in order to help initiate change. Often clients can be stuck in old thinking patterns and behaviors that lead them to feeling stuck in life. I work with clients using small, realistic, achievable goals to begin to shift thought patters and behaviors that are making them feel stuck.

As a mother, wife, and professional woman I can relate to challenges that come up for women. I work with many woman who have struggles specific to us whether it be challenges in the workplace, aging, maintaining their individual identity (versus being a wife/mother) or facing medical issues specific to woman. I work with individuals who have these struggles and more to identify ways to find a positive path forward.