Michelle Bar-av

Meet Michelle (She/Her): Bridging Mind, Body, and Resilience 🌿 Hello! I'm Michelle, and I believe that true healing begins when we listen to the wisdom held within our own bodies. For over two decades, I worked as a massage therapist, and during that time, I became profoundly aware of how emotional stress and unresolved experiences literally show up in the body—in muscle tension, chronic pain, and fatigue. While physical work offered temporary relief, I sensed a deeper need for clients to heal the emotional roots of their distress. That realization, combined with entering a new chapter as an empty nester, inspired me to return to school and pursue counseling so I could support clients more fully. I am often described as tenacious, inquisitive, and warm. My Approach: The Mind-Body Connection I practice an integrative and client-centered approach, drawing primarily from psychodynamic, interpersonal, and person-centered therapies with a strong focus on somatic awareness. My work helps you explore the deeper emotional patterns that influence your current experiences, specifically looking at how early relationships, stress, and unresolved pain manifest both emotionally and physically. My goal is simple: to help you uncover insight, build radical self-compassion, and move toward lasting change by fostering a greater understanding of your unique mind-body connection. Specializing in Transitions and Wellness I primarily work with women aged 40 and older, focusing on those pivotal life moments that require courage and redirection. I offer individual therapy and am open to working with couples and families. My areas of focus include: Anxiety and Stress-Related Concerns Somatic Symptoms and the Mind-Body connection Relationship and Attachment Issues Life and Role Transitions (e.g., career changes, divorce, becoming an empty nester) Spiritual and Existential Concerns My Lived Experience My life experiences have deeply informed my practice and resilience. I raised two daughters while navigating life as a single mom, and I supported my youngest through Stage IV cancer when she was thirteen. These experiences deepened my respect for human resilience and the courage it takes to be vulnerable during times of uncertainty. As a Jewish woman, I have also personally experienced antisemitism and understand how identity-based prejudice affects emotional health, deepening my sensitivity to the complex stories my clients carry. Just for Fun! I have many creative interests! I love sewing, live music, and sushi. My oldest daughter is getting married soon, and I've poured love into making the chuppah (wedding canopy) for her ceremony. I also enjoy dancing and performing in local community theater. Be warned: my cats may decide to make an uninvited cameo during virtual sessions!