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Simon Sinek

"Life is beautiful not because of the things we see or do.  Life is beautiful because of the people we meet"

MEET YOUR COUNSELOR...

Michelle Swanford, MHM, MSW, LCSW - Licensed in LA & OR
Clinical Therapist - Coach - Consultant

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I've been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years, with a passion for boosting happiness in all those that I serve.  I'm a creative problem-solver who digs deep and believes that each problem has a unique solution.  I've worked with those needing help navigating career and relationship challenges, as well as those needing therapeutic interventions for severe mental illnesses, addictions, grief, depression/anxiety, and many areas in between - all deserving of elevating their quality of life and being the happiest they can be.  

 

That said, I have a special passion for Adult ADHD, Parents of ADHD, Partners of ADHD, Women's Health, Career Cultivation/Leadership and anyone looking to boost their happy. I am EMDR trained and certified in Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP).  

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Having an extensive background in healthcare, I take an integrative mind/body approach and consider sleep, stress, nutrition, movement and support in a total well-being plan.  I work from a "Strengths" perspective, discovering the uniqueness within each client, and look to those qualities to serve as the main ingredients in an overall wellness strategy.

 

I find beauty in diversity and embrace the standards of a culturally competent practice put forth by the National Association for Social Workers (NASW). 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1060004 

Contact
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MY STORY

From Camper to Calling...

I got my start in the business of finding happy for others early in life.  When I was 8 years old I went to a sleep away camp and was asked by a camp counselor to help a fellow camper get through being "homesick".  I didn't know then what counseling was, but I did know it made me feel good to talk someone through tears back to a "happy" place.  Dubbed the "happy little camper" by the staff, I was determined, from that moment on, to find a way to help others find their way to "happy". 

 

While my story has a happy ending, it has not been a straight path, nor without challenges.  Like my fellow campers from childhood, I, too, have needed someone to help talk me through my tears along the way. What I have learned from my journey, however, is that we all "have feet of clay"...and everyone, regardless of the past or path, deserves happiness.  

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"You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago”   Alan Watts

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MY CREDENTIALS

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSW - LA License # 6155 - OR License #L14111

Tulane University -
1996

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

University of New Orleans - 2007

MASTER OF SCIENCE - HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT

University of Southern Mississippi - 1993

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - PSYCHOLOGY

Evergreen
March 2023

CERTIFIED INTEGRATIVE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

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