Michelle Pettengill

From a young age, I was drawn to people’s resilience. In 6th grade, my mom would take me to volunteer in soup kitchens and senior homes — and even then, I was in awe of the strength people carried, even in the toughest moments. That experience planted a seed: I knew I wanted to spend my life helping others feel seen, supported, and empowered to rise.

I’ve been a licensed therapist since 2014, and over the years I’ve had the privilege of working in many different spaces — from group homes to outpatient clinics, from dual diagnosis centers to in-home family support, and now in my own private practice via telehealth. I bring all of that real-world experience into the room when I meet with clients — because life is messy, and therapy should meet you where you are.

I am Certified in Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), a highly effective approach for reducing obsessions, compulsions, and intrusive thoughts. I help clients gently & compassionately face these thoughts without fear, shame, or guilt, so that the mental chatter begins to quiet, and life feels more grounded and enjoyable.

I’m also Certified in Nutrition for Mental Health and deeply passionate about helping people discover how food, sleep, and daily rhythms affect their mood, energy, and emotional regulation. If you’re feeling anxious, depleted, or burnt out — I want to help you find balance from the inside out.

Looking forward to connecting soon. 💛

At the core of my approach to therapy is a belief that we work hard & play hard!

I believe therapy works best when we create safety first, move at a comfortable pace, and make space for both focused work AND lightness along the way. Humor and laughter are welcome here - they’re regulating for the nervous system and part of being human! Practicality, collaboration, and compassion are all woven into our sessions. We focus on real conversations, real tools, and real change - while honoring that healing does not need to feel heavy all the time to be effective. This is a space where you don’t have to perform, force, or prove yourself. You get to show up exactly as you are!

I definitely understand that starting therapy can feel a little uncomfortable—especially if you're already overwhelmed and wondering, “Where do I even begin?”

Guess what? You don't need to have the perfect words, as I will be guiding you. Telehealth is a wonderful platform as you can find your safe, cozy space to have a conversation!

During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know you—not just your symptoms, but what life actually feels like for you right now. We'll talk about what's bringing you to therapy, what's been feeling difficult, and what you'd like to be different - your overall goals.

I'll also begin looking at the bigger picture: your stress, sleep, relationships, nervous system, daily routines, and the patterns that may be contributing to how you're feeling.

These are the items that you can expect to feel and discuss:

A space to be heard without judgment: You can talk openly about what's been weighing on you without having to minimize it or explain it perfectly.

A whole-person perspective: We'll look beyond “Why am I anxious?” and begin exploring what may be happening in your mind, body, relationships, and everyday life.

Understanding—not just coping: I'll help you make sense of your symptoms and recognize patterns so you can better understand what's happening rather than wondering, “What's wrong with me?” There may be some tears shed, and those are always welcome! I just can't hand you tissues, so make sure to have some handy!

Practical tools: Depending on what you're experiencing, we may begin with a simple nervous-system regulation exercise or another tool you can use between sessions.

A plan that fits your life, even with chaos: We'll identify meaningful next steps that feel realistic and supportive.

Cannot wait to work with you! Just show up as you are. We'll start there.