I grew up in Northern Virginia. I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2003 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and English. I later obtained my Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Virginia Commonwealth University. My primary focus for my Masters level education was clinical counseling and I interned at University Counseling Services while at VCU. 

I am currently pursuing licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA).  I have spent time as an in-home family counselor, a parent educator, a birth parent counselor, and working within the foster care and adoption community prior to returning to private practice.  These experiences have helped shape me into a provider that is comfortable working with all different individual and family presentations, as well as taught me that through authenticity and active listening, connections can be created and maintained. I am particularly passionate about working with teenagers, adults, and with couples.

​

I also have training and experience in areas such as:

• Anxiety 

• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Familial Conflict 

• Birth Trauma/ Postnatal Mental Health Diagnosis (PPD/PPA)

• Coping with the IUI/IVF Process

• Foster Care/Adoption and Alternate Methods of Building Families

• Couples/Marriage Counseling

• Grief/ Loss

• Validation

• Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Distress Tolerance/ Mindfulness

I am also able to help individuals understand and cope with the following concerns:

​

• Communication

• LGBTQ+  

• Conflict Resolution

• Grief and Loss

• Family dynamics

• Emotional Regulation/ Co-regulation

• Life transitions 

• Depression

• Stress management

• Identity Struggles 

• Self acceptance 

• Social Skills

• Coping with Divorce

Providing a safe, open and inclusive space for clients to be themselves without pressure is paramount to my practice.  I believe in a strengths-based approach and that being genuine is the most important skill a therapist can possess. In particular, I am passionate about helping others learn self-validation skills, and well as how to navigate interpersonal relationships, whether that be a romantic relationship, a familial one, friendships, or with peers. I enjoy teaching clients about the mind-body connection and how encouraging this allows for a deeper knowing of themselves as well as develops skills for dealing with stress.

My approach is influenced by theories like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, Family Systems Therapy, Attachment Theory and Internal Family Systems (IFS).  I consider myself solution-focused in that I value communication between myself and clients with regards to progress and goals, as well as discussing what is or is not helpful in their experience.  I am LGBTQ+ affirming and employ an eclectic and intersectional approach to providing therapy. 

​

In network with Cigna and most BlueCross BlueShield (Except BlueHome, BlueLocal, HealthyBlue and BlueValue). 

Also offering a reasonable self pay rate.

​

To schedule with Michelle Mishenko, LCSWA

at our Fuquay-Varina location contact:

info@wccounseling.com 

919-439-9323