Michal is a licensed clinical independent social worker (LICSW, LW 61276826), who offers psychotherapy to clients in Bellevue, Washington both in-person and through telehealth.

 

Over the past 15 years, Michal has provided therapy for individuals and groups. Michal received her bachelor’s degree in social work from the Hebrew University in Israel (cum laude) and her master’s degree from the Tel-Aviv University in Israel. Her research thesis focused on the transition to parenthood and women’s prenatal and postnatal mental health. As of 2017, she has completed a three-year post-graduate program in analytical psychotherapy at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. 

Michal has extensive experience as a therapist in outpatient mental health settings, and in private practice. Michal moved to Washington state in 2021 and is delighted to join CRAFT as a provider as of May 2023.

Michal is a psychodynamic, client-centered therapist. In her practice, Michal uses an insight-oriented approach to assist individuals understand their feelings and behaviors. She believes that by exploring our internal world, in a supportive and non-judgmental environment, we can gain a deeper understanding of how our past experiences affect us today. Through this process, we can improve our relationship with ourselves and others, ultimately resulting in a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.

While she enjoys seeing people with a variety of concerns, some of her favorite types of issues to work with are life transitions (becoming a new parent, relocation, retirement), mental health including through prenatal and postnatal periods dealing with stillbirth, dealing with grief and bereavement, depression, anxiety, trauma and identity development.

 

As an integrative psychotherapist, Michal's approach is influenced by psychodynamic theory, individual needs, and other research-based therapy methods (CBT and others). Michal’s experience includes extensive training in Psychodynamic treatment approaches and other research-based therapy methods, including Trauma-informed care, Cognitive and/or Behavioral therapy, EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), CFT (Compassion-Focused- Therapy), skill-building interventions, and Group Psychotherapy. The counseling approach she utilizes is informed by feminist and anti-oppressive principles.

 

Michal has gained invaluable experience working with people from different walks of life in various settings, including private practice, psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, women's health centers, domestic violence prevention centers, and senior services. Working with diverse individuals experiencing a wide array of issues has allowed Michal to gain the skills necessary to engage with various individuals experiencing multi-faceted issues and concerns.  

 

Michal works with individuals eighteen years and older, all gender identities, all sexualities, and all ethnicities.

 

On a personal note,

 

My goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment where you can bring your authentic self, feel seen and supported, and work through the issues that are causing distress, enabling you to thrive and grow. I strive to create a meaningful and compassionate relationship that will allow clients to feel safe and enable self-exploration and growth. Therapy is intimate work and finding a good fit for you is vital. I would consider it a privilege to be a part of your journey.

 

Michal is accepting new clients at the moment. To schedule an appointment or for more details please contact:

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michal@michaellealpertcounseling.com