Michelle Pinheiro

Life rarely hands us one thing at a time. Maybe it's anxiety that won't let up, a relationship that feels strained, something that makes everyday life harder than it should be, or the weight of taking care of everyone but yourself. Whatever brought you here, you don't have to sort it out alone. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15 years of experience and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and relationships. I work with adults, college students, older teens, couples, and families with young children. Many of the people I see are in the middle of a big transition: going through a divorce, raising kids, caring for aging parents, or finding their footing in early adulthood. I also help with panic, grief, stress, anger, family conflict, women's issues, and alcohol and substance use.

My style is hands-on, creative, and focused on practical solutions. You're an active partner in our work, and we'll build on the strengths you already have. With teens and adults, I draw mostly on CBT, which helps you see how your thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. I also use solution-focused and Gestalt approaches. For panic and anxiety, I use exposure and response prevention to help you face what feels overwhelming, one manageable step at a time. For couples and families, I focus on better communication and solutions everyone can get behind.

Our first session is about getting to know you. We'll talk about what's bringing you in, what you'd most like to change, and what's already helping you get by, at whatever pace feels comfortable. You'll leave with a clearer picture of what we'd focus on together and a good sense of whether I'm the right fit for you or your family. If you're ready to take that first step, I'd be glad to meet you.