Michelle Williams, AMFT (she/her)
BIO:
I'm Michelle (she/her), an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT # 156810) at Spaces Therapy, under the supervision of Kelli Penner and Ludine Pierre.
As a relational therapist, I believe that transformative healing happens within the context of healthy, secure connections—especially the one we build together in therapy. My work centers on helping clients understand and reshape their relationship patterns, drawing on Attachment-Based Experiential models to explore how past experiences influence present connections. My warm, compassionate, and curious presence celebrates your inherent strengths and helps shift pain, unmet needs, or feelings of being "stuck" into clarity and meaningful resolve. Together, we'll move beyond traditional talk therapy to integrate a more holistic approach to healing—one that tunes into your internal experience to grow your capacity for a deeper sense of safety and security within yourself and in your relationships.
Guiding Principles:
Taking the first steps towards therapy is an act of immense courage and self-compassion, as expressed in the Anaïs Nin quote: "And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” It is my privilege to come alongside you, free of judgment and expectation, as we navigate a path of healing together.
As a therapist at Spaces Therapy, I believe that genuine connection is foundational to the healing process. As a human with my own lived experiences and biases, I show up authentically in our sessions. It is my responsibility to consistently engage in self-reflection and professional development to ensure I provide equitable and inclusive care, honoring and respecting your background, race, gender, and sexual orientation, so you always feel heard and valued. As the expert of your own life and story, I will support you as you make your own informed decisions, while helping you tune into your deeper emotional needs and gently nudging you when I see something that may be keeping you stuck.
My Style of Therapy:
EMPATHETIC: I strive to create an empathetic, accepting space where you can feel truly seen and heard. This foundation of care is crucial for you to feel safe enough to explore difficult emotions and experiences without fear or reservation. My hope is that, together, we can go to those hard-to-reach places to gain greater insight and self-awareness, which is essential for relationship therapy and all areas of healing.
DIRECT: I am an active participant in our work together. I provide feedback and observations in real time, helping us to move past surface-level conversations to the core feelings creating anxiety in relationships and disconnection. My hope is to help you see your behaviors not as "bad," but as protective strategies that we can work to understand and shift.
SUPPORTIVE: I believe a strong sense of support is essential for lasting change. I will meet you where you are with genuine warmth and curiosity, cheering you on as you move closer in alignment with who you want to be.
CREATIVE: Drawing from my experience as a designer and a business owner, I bring a unique perspective to our work. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I will collaborate with you to adapt our process to your specific needs and goals, seeing your individuality as a guiding light that bridges the gap between your passions and your purpose.
I’m Particularly Good at Working With:
Couples stuck in the same negative cycles leading to emotional disconnection, trust issues, and a lack of intimacy, offering tailored Couples Therapy.
Children of immigrants, addressing generational trauma, cultural identity, familial pressure, and the unique challenges of navigating multiple worlds.
Mothers at any stage of life, especially those navigating significant transitions and shifts in self-identity. I offer dedicated therapy for mothers to support these journeys.
Clients wrestling with the impacts of trauma, including those seeking therapy for anxiety.
Men who find themselves in an avoidant pattern, often withdrawing or shutting down.
I Hold Space For:
Trauma, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Motherhood
As well as: Anxiety in Relationships, Avoidance in Relationships, Asian American Issues, Adult Children of immigrants, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Communication Issues, Creativity Blocks, Cultural Issues, Depression, Divorce and After-Divorce Care, Family Struggles, Grief, LGBTQIA+, Life Direction, Living Authentically, Maternal Mental Health, Medical Trauma, Men’s Issues, Parenting, Perinatal Issues, Peer Relationships, Quarter-Life Crises, Self-Image, Spiritual Abuse, Spirituality, Stress, Terminal Illness, Vulnerability Issues, Women’s Issues.
Services I Offer:
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Therapy Groups
Motherhood Meetup (Good Mother)
CREDENTIALS:
B.A. in Communications
M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy emphasis in Medical Family Therapy
Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples & Individuals
Trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Trained in Brainspotting
Location:
In office: Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles (Northeast)
Virtually: California Residents
If you’re not sure what therapist you would like to work with, book a call with our care coordinator here. If you would like to work with Rachel, you can schedule a consultation call or session with her at the button below.