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Michele Chinichian

Michele Chinichian

LCSW

Gender Identity: female

Short Biography

Hello! Welcome to my practice. Here's a little bit about me: I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University in 2000 and spent over a decade working at a nonprofit, providing crisis counseling at the scene of late-night mental health emergencies before going into private practice in 2010. In addition to direct client work, I have taught courses in cultural diversity and crisis intervention at the college level. As a person of color and the child of immigrants, I bring a culturally responsive lens to my work and am a proud LGBTQIA+ ally. Outside of my practice, I love to travel, spend time in nature, attend indie music concerts, and snuggle with my rescue pup, Winston.

Therapy Philosophy

I believe everyone has the ability and desire to have an extraordinary life. I see therapy as a healing conversation that provides clients with a safe, non-judgmental place to express their challenges, and helps them to rediscover their strengths, talents and resources. My intention is to create a collaborative partnership to support my clients in finding solutions that are consistent with their values and beliefs. Whatever it is that brings you to counseling, together we can overcome self-doubt and obstacles to create the healthiest version of yourself.

Special Training & Certifications

Please contact me with your insurance provider information along with your availability for appointments; I return all inquiries promptly. I can assist with reimbursement for out-of-network claims if I am not a provider on your plan. For your convenience, I also offer self-scheduling online. You can book an apt directly with me here: https://bit.ly/3Ee0nhO

Clinical Focus / Specialties

Generalized anxiety Trauma Neurodivergent Challenges Anxiety Depression Persistent sadness or low motivation Mood swings Seasonal depression Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) Complex trauma (C-PTSD) Childhood abuse or neglect Medical trauma Relationship conflict Communication difficulties Premarital counseling Divorce or separation Family conflict Parenting stress Co-parenting challenges Low self-esteem Self-criticism Perfectionism People-pleasing Assertiveness difficulties Identity exploration Stress & Life Adjustment Chronic stress Burnout Work-related stress Academic stress Major life transitions Relocation or adjustment difficulties Grief & Loss Death of a loved one Pregnancy or infant loss Relationship loss Complicated grief Behavioral addictions Behavioral & Emotional Regulation Sleep & Health-Related Concerns Sleep disturbances Chronic illness adjustment Health-related stress ADHD Executive functioning difficulties Sexuality & Gender-Related Concerns Sexual identity exploration Gender identity exploration Coming out support Gender transition support Feeling stuck Emotional numbness Loss of meaning or direction Personal growth “Not feeling like myself” Religious Trauma, Cultural Differences, Political Stress, Dating and Relationship support, Sex Positive-Kink allied

Therapist Methodology

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Informed Therapy Internal Family Systems (IFS) Breathwork Strengths-Based Therapy Eclectic Therapy Motivational Interviewing

Core Values

Social Justice & Equity Values
Anti-racist Feminist-informed Queer- and trans-affirming Body liberation / fat-positive Disability justice-informed Racial equity-focused Culturally responsive Class-conscious / economic justice Environmental justice / eco-aware Immigrant and refugee-affirming Activist-affirming / advocacy-supportive Anti-oppressive practice Community care-oriented Abolitionist mental health lens Healing justice framework Accessibility-centered
Identity, Community & Belonging Values
LGBTQIA+ affirming BIPOC-affirming Neurodiversity-affirming Fat liberation-oriented Faith-affirming / spiritually inclusive Secular-affirming Interfaith respectful Family-diverse (poly / ENM / chosen family-affirming) Centering marginalized voices Multicultural sensitivity Community resilience-focused Cultural identity exploration Affirming mixed-race / multiracial experiences
Relational & Healing Philosophy Values
Trauma-informed Strengths-based Client-centered Collaborative Compassion-focused Empowerment-based Nonjudgmental Authentic and transparent Boundaried compassion Humor and humanity Centering safety and trust Relational and attachment-oriented Emotions as information Empowerment through connection Transparency and repair Co-created healing relationship
Mind & Body Spirit & Holistic Healing Values
Mindfulness-oriented Holistic / integrative healing Nature-connected / eco-therapy aligned Rest as resistance Pleasure and joy as healing Spiritual but not religious Embodied empowerment Grounded presence Self-compassion and stillness
Practice Ethics & Professional Integrity Values
Equity over perfection Cultural humility over competence Informed consent emphasis Transparency in process Centering client dignity Ongoing education commitment Non-hierarchical relationship Therapist as co-learner

Clinic / Practice Environment

Clinic Environment

Book a Session

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Practice Information

  • Experience: 25 years
  • Availability: Online Sessions Only
  • Languages: English
  • Session Cost: $175 – $250
  • Accepts Insurance: Yes
    I am happy to submit your insurance claims as a courtesy, including even for claims that are out-of-network.
  • Populations Served: 18+,Teens,Parents,Young Adults,BIPOC clients,LGBTQIA+ clients,Couples,Immigrant and First Generation , Polyamerous/Alternative Lifestyles

Credentials

  • License:
    License verification pending or self-certified

Office & Contact Info