About Michelle
I have always been genuinely interested in listening to people's unique stories and in helping people deepen their connections with both themselves and with others. I provide culutrally attuned psychotherapy and meet my clients with empathy, and essentially assist in bringing the unconscious into consciousness where healing and growth take place. At the core of my work as a psychotherapist is the desire to help people explore the parts of themselves that long for change, connection, and internal peace.
My approach to psychotherapy is rooted in depth-oriented therapies, such as Psychodynamic and Attachment, as well as Gestalt and Humanistic Therapy. I truly believe we each have an extraordinary ability for personal growth and self-healing. One of the great joys of my practice is helping couples move from anger and anxiety to trust and intimacy. I am also passionate about helping individuals navigate life during transitions and those who experience difficulties in their relationships and challenges related to trauma, grief and loss, perfectionism, identity, not being enough, and culture.
I have been a clinician since 2017 (since 2016 if I include my practicum and internship experience). My journey as a psychotherapist began in Northern Virginia where I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University and ever since have worked with individuals, couples, and families with different backgrounds. I received training in The Gottman Method Level 1 and advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a form of couples therapy that focuses on attachment in adult relationships. I incorporate EFT techniques into my work with individuals as well. Additionally, I am a Bringing Baby Home Educator; I help couples transition to parenthood through psychoeducation, which I also bring into the therapy room as needed.
When I am not working with clients, I occasionally teach in the Marriage and Family Therapy Department at the Chicago School in San Diego. I enjoy writing for children and families and have published my first children’s book, WITH YOU. I also enjoy matcha latte, audiobooks, spending time with my loved ones, and trying new restaurants.
credentials
California Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC No. 6470
National Certified Counselor, NCC No. 884195
specialized training
The Gottman Institute’s Bringing Baby Home Educator Training
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship & Core Skills
Gottman Method I
Humanistic Sandtray Therapy (HST) I & II
Education
Marymount University
M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP accredited program)
Member of Mu Upsilon Gamma Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Honor Society
Affiliations
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
Professional Conference Presentations
Clark, M. (2021, November 4-6). Mental health matters: Overcoming the stigma among Filipinos [Conference presentation]. Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) Filipino Young Leaders Virtual Conference, Washington, District of Columbia.
Kakkar, S. & Clark, M. (2018, July 20). Alternative ways of knowing and mentoring [Conference presentation]. Association for Adult Development and Aging (AADA) Conference, Arlington, Virginia.
Lopez, M., Kahoe, B., & Archer, T. (2017, April 8). Humanistic sandtray therapy: An expressive modality of psychotherapy [Conference presentation]. Chi Sigma Iota Rho Theta Chapter Conference, Washington, District of Columbia.
Georgieva, M., Kahoe, B., Lopez, M., & Archer, T. (2017, February 25). A case study in humanistic sandtray therapy [Conference presentation]. Virginia Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (VACES) Conference, Norfolk, Virginia.
Georgieva, M., Lopez, M., & Kahoe, B. (2016, November 3-5). Oppression and mental health: Intersection between cultural identity and theoretical orientation [Roundtable session]. Maryland Counseling Association (MCA) Conference, Baltimore, Maryland.
Georgieva, M., Lopez, M., Walker-Shelton, L., & Kahoe, B. (2016, February 27). Overcoming eclecticism: Identify your theoretical foundation [Conference presentation]. Virginia Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (VACES) Conference, Arlington, Virginia.