7 Years Exp - LPC, LMHC
Michelle Bonilla
7 Years Exp
7 Years Exp
Michelle Bonilla
Hi there, I'm Michelle Bonilla. I am a licensed professional counselor with several years of experience working in clinical settings, ranging from an inpatient detoxification unit to an outpatient substance use disorder treatment program. Do you find yourself consumed by anxiety and worry, no matter what you do? Does your depression make you feel stuck, unfulfilled, and unhappy? Maybe you are tired of the overthinking or the plate being too full. Maybe you are fed up with being alone or unmotivated. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to feel calm, in control, and relaxed. You’re ready to feel happy, motivated, and at peace. Most of all, you’re ready to love yourself again and to find a new “normal,” and I can help you get there. As an experienced anxiety and depression therapist, I believe that everyone has a right to feel in control, at peace, and happy. You don’t have to let the anxiety or depression control you anymore and you definitely don’t have to do it alone. I can’t wait to work with you.
I have worked with a severely depressed individual who was close to suicide but is now engaging positively in life with future goals, forward progress, and making moves to start her own family.
I like to begin with a very detailed history of their life. I think there is a tremendous amount of information and value in a person’s history and how that might be showing up for them today in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I like to target problematic areas, goals, and solutions that fit best for the client in their lives in a realistic and practical way.
My first session is mostly gathering information about presenting issues, getting into a detailed history and identifying the client’s expectations for therapy. I also cover questions they might have about the therapy process as well as my specific approach and expectations.
I have always enjoyed hearing people’s stories. I also enjoy the human experience that we all share and seeing how similar and different we all are. And of course I love helping people and seeing them overcome life challenges.
Highlights
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our sessions you can expect to have a safe place to talk about hard things. I believe therapy should be a place where you feel heard and validated. I encourage openness and always show up without judgement.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy but find value in all theories and techniques. I am open to trying ways that have helped you in the past as well as new techniques that you may find useful.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
While I do work in a general way with many adult clients, I find my strengths in working with anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Specialities