Michelle Yoo, M.S., LMFT-Associate
“Transforming Scars into Stars”—This philosophy captures the essence of my personal and professional life. I firmly believe that we can shine most brightly in our moments of brokenness by finding our most resilient parts. My role? To illuminate the beauty within your scars.
A Compassionate Guide: At the heart of my approach is a profound empathy and unwavering belief in your potential. Grounded in research, I foster trust-based relationships known to rewire the brain and heal trauma.
My therapy style is collaborative, integrating techniques primarily from cognitive-behavioral therapy to tailor a healing journey uniquely yours.
Individual Therapy: Your Ally in Healing and Personal Growth
In the complex journey of life, facing challenges like depression, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship struggles can often feel overwhelming. It’s not uncommon to find ourselves lost in a whirlpool of sadness, confusion, and adversity.
As your therapist, I am committed to being more than just a guide; I aim to be a compassionate ally in your journey towards healing.
In our sessions, you’ll find a safe, non-judgmental space where your feelings and experiences are validated and understood. I believe in working hand-in-hand with you to uncover the strengths and resilience that lie within you.
Together, we will explore your challenges, understand their roots, and develop personalized strategies that empower you to overcome them.
My approach is not just about coping but about thriving. We’ll focus on transforming negative thought patterns, enhancing your emotional well-being, and building skills that contribute to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Whether you’re navigating personal growth, facing life’s transitions, or seeking to improve your relationships, our therapy sessions are designed to help you rediscover your inner strength and move forward with confidence and clarity.
Remember, you’re not alone on this path. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together, where each step brings you closer to a more joyful, peaceful, and purposeful life.
Couples Counseling: Nurturing Your Shared Journey
Welcome to a journey of growth, connection, and resilience within your relationship. As a therapist, I specialize in helping couples navigate the complexities of their partnerships, fostering effective communication and conflict resolution skills along the way. My goal is to support couples as they strengthen their bonds, overcome challenges, and cultivate deeper intimacy.
I am dedicated to helping partners build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the unique needs of each couple. I believe that effective communication and conflict resolution are the cornerstones of a thriving partnership, and I work diligently to empower couples with the tools they need to succeed.
Improving Communication:
Communication lies at the heart of every successful relationship. I assist couples in developing open, honest, and respectful communication patterns that foster understanding and connection. Through targeted exercises and meaningful dialogue, partners learn to express their needs, listen actively, and validate each other’s perspectives.
Navigating Conflict:
Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. I guide couples through the process of navigating conflict constructively, helping them address underlying issues, manage emotions, and find mutually satisfactory resolutions. By fostering empathy and compromise, partners can transform conflict into an opportunity for growth and deeper intimacy.
Creating Lasting Change:
My goal is to empower couples to create lasting change in their relationships. Through compassionate support and practical guidance, I help partners identify and address negative patterns, heal past wounds, and cultivate healthier dynamics. Together, we work towards building a foundation of trust, respect, and love that can withstand the tests of time.
Children and Adolescents: Seeing the World Through Their Eyes
With a background as an elementary school teacher and a counselor experienced in international humanitarian work, I’ve gained a profound insight into the minds of young ones. My mantra to parents is: “A child’s behavior mirrors their deeper needs.” As a therapist, I offer that much-needed individual attention, nurturing the child and strengthening the parent-child bond.
I am a trauma-informed therapist trained in TBRI® (Trust-Based Relationship Intervention). My pioneering work with TBRI® in South Korea, focusing on adoptive families, has enriched my expertise in aiding local foster and adoptive families. I offer child-centered play therapy, complemented by parental guidance, to foster healthy family dynamics.
Professional Credentials
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Liberty University
- Master’s in Professional Counseling, Dallas Baptist University
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, supervised by Jennifer Kendall, LMFT-S