Treatment & Intervention Modalities and Counselor Training Opportunities 

As a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addictions professional, Michelle believes that most people who walk through a therapist's door have relational issues stemming clear back to our family of origin. In addition to this, many clients have primary Substance Abuse and/or Process Use Disorders that warrant immediate attention and interventions before any other therapies will be effective. 

Michelle's assessment "tool box" allows her to determine what the best modality of treatments are immediately required and what level of care will be most effective. She collaborates with her clients to create a solid treatment plan.

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Relational Trauma and Intimacy Disorders Treatment

Pia Mellody, Senior Fellow at The Meadows has been one of Michelle's primary mentors for the last 32 years. Pia developed the powerful eclectic model of Post Induction Therapy™ that addresses: Mind, Body, and Spirit. The "PIT" model was developed when Pia recognized long ago while working at The Meadows in Wickenburg, AZ, that "traditional talk therapies" were not proving to be effective for many clients. Many clients were missing that deeper level healing that truly occurs when the therapist is helping clients utilize regions of their brains and bodies to heal, that are not  accessible through talk therapies. Pia's model is rich in providing psycho-educational information to clients that create much better "Self Care," Pia's Model was influenced by the best of the best: Erik Erickson, Gestalt, Fritz Perls, Albert Ellis and so many others who stepped outside of the "talk" therapy mode as their only delivery  of client therapy. This work is best initially done in a group therapy capacity. Clients are required to maintain relational connections outside of therapy in group settings that are healthy and encouraging her client's happiness. 

Michelle trains clinicians to deliver Pia's user friendly Model, in which clinicians are encouraged to add in treatments utilizing conjunctive therapies such as EMDR and many other Somatic therapies. 
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Pia Mellody's Work and How Michelle is Connected with Pia 

Michelle has referred hundreds of individuals, couples, and families to The Meadows in Wickenburg, Arizona, which has been home to Pia Mellody's PIT Model on both an Inpatient and "Survivors" I and II, Workshop level. Michelle provides "joint case management" with the Meadows and also with other facilities that may be more appropriate locally as well on behalf of families. Michelle works with the other vital family members on an outpatient basis prior to the client being discharged from Inpatient facilities. When Inpatient treatment is close to an end, Michelle will coordinate closely with the aftercare team to make sure that the flow for the clients between inpatient and outpatient care is a smooth transition. Michelle also provides case management to families who have their family members in facilities all over the country. Pia Mellody's work remains in the forefront of Michelle's work with clients. 

 Pia Mellody,Senior Fellow at The Meadows Treatment Center & Pioneer in Addictions and Complex Trauma Treatment: 

"I have mentored and trained Michelle for over 35 years. Michelle has been crucial in providing clinical input to me throughout the years as my Post Induction Therapy Model has continued to evolve. Michelle is intelligent, humorous, compassionate and empathic with her clients and colleagues. Michelle has Mastered the PIT Model and utilizes it creatively in clinical and professional settings. I greatly value Michelle as a seasoned clinician and trainer and consider her a close friend and colleague of mine."   

Michelle is available for public speaking events. Please contact her for further information! 

                      Expert Panel Member: Topic: Working With Psychological Trauma: Advanced Models, Approaches, and Treatment Strategies. 

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                  Healing Relational Trauma based on Pia Mellody's Post Induction Therapy Level I and Level II trainings 

                       Please contact Michelle directly with your request for her current training schedules for 2020 at: mdrc9901@gmail.com.