Michelle Waghorne

I became a social worker because I care deeply about people and their well-being. Seeing my clients heal, grow, and create meaningful change in their lives is truly rewarding. I hold a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In my practice, I specialize in trauma therapy, helping individuals who have experienced both major life-altering events and smaller, cumulative adversities that impact their daily lives.

My approach is down-to-earth, compassionate, and client-centered. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where you feel heard and understood. I have a casual presence in sessions, and I often use humor when appropriate because I believe that therapy, while important, doesn’t always have to feel heavy. My goal is to meet you where you are and help you move toward healing in a way that feels manageable and meaningful to you.

I also have a dog who is present in sessions. Many clients find his presence comforting and grounding. He’s friendly, calm, and enjoys providing quiet companionship during sessions. If you love dogs, he may offer an added sense of warmth and support while we work together.

Therapy is a collaborative process, and I believe you are the expert on your own experience. We will work together to identify your goals and move at a pace that feels right for you.

I specialize in trauma therapy, particularly using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer have the same emotional charge, allowing you to move forward without feeling stuck in the past. This approach is not only effective for life-threatening traumatic events such as assault or war but also for the smaller, cumulative experiences that can shape our emotional well-being over time.

I tailor my approach to each individual, integrating various therapeutic techniques to best support your unique needs. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, self-doubt, or past experiences that still affect you today, I am here to help you navigate the healing process with care and expertise.

After each session, you should feel heard, understood, and supported. Some sessions may provide you with practical tools and coping strategies that you can begin using right away. Other times, you may gain new insight into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, helping you understand yourself on a deeper level. When using EMDR, we work to reprocess past experiences so your mind can function more effectively, allowing you to move forward with greater ease.

Over time, the symptoms that brought you to therapy—whether anxiety, overwhelm, self-doubt, or the lingering effects of trauma—should begin to lessen. As we work together, you’ll develop resilience, emotional balance, and a stronger sense of self. My goal is for you to not only feel more equipped to handle the challenges of day-to-day life but also to experience lasting change that enhances your overall well-being. Healing is a process, and I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way.