Michelle Foraker, LMHC-QS, LPC, CMHC
904-449-7710
Licensed in: Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Tennessee, South Carolina, Indiana, and Virginia
Rather than focusing
on the obstacle in your path,
focus on the bridge over the obstacle.
-Mary Lou Retton
Abuse & Trauma Recovery
My background in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, coupled with extensive experience in child welfare, equips me well for supporting survivors of abuse and trauma. I'm committed to helping clients move toward recovery by understanding how past experiences have shaped their current challenges.
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With this deep understanding, clients can make healthier choices, break away from harmful behaviors, rediscover their true selves, and appreciate their potential for transformation in the present.
Anger Management
Anger is a normal and often healthy emotion; however, when it spirals out of control; it can lead to major issues—at work, in personal relationships, and with your overall quality of life. It can make you feel like you're at the mercy of a powerful, unpredictable emotion.
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My aim is to help you lessen the intensity of your anger and manage the physical responses it triggers. While you can't eliminate or change the triggers—like certain situations or people—you can definitely learn to control your reactions.​
Anxiety
Stress can arise from anything that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous, while anxiety often manifests as fear, unease, and worry. While mild anxiety might just feel unsettling, severe anxiety can deeply affect your daily life, especially when it disrupts your sleep or other daily functions. It typically surfaces when your reactions are more intense than what might normally be expected.
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I aim to help you tackle the unrealistic beliefs fueling your anxiety and develop strategies to manage your worries more effectively.
Depression
It’s normal to feel sad or down occasionally; however, depression involves experiencing these emotions intensely and for prolonged periods. Common symptoms include fatigue, irritability, trouble concentrating, and changes in appetite or sleep.
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I work with those affected to pinpoint the factors contributing to their depression and identify which elements can be addressed or improved. My support includes developing skills to alleviate suffering and prevent future depressive episodes, such as strengthening social connections, finding new coping strategies, and creating an action plan for positive lifestyle changes.
Growth & Development
I believe that personal growth and development are at the heart of a fulfilling life. It's about understanding who you are, embracing your strengths, and addressing the challenges that hold you back.
This journey is not about perfection but about progress—taking small, meaningful steps toward becoming the best version of yourself. Whether you're looking to build resilience, improve relationships, or find a deeper sense of purpose, personal growth is a path we walk together, with empathy, insight, and a commitment to your well-being.
Loss/Grief
Many of our challenges stem from different types of losses, compounded by grief that’s been avoided, delayed, or unaddressed.
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I specialize in grief recovery for a range of situations, including the loss of furbabies. I help individuals adopt healthy grieving methods and resolve unresolved issues that disrupt their daily lives.
Marital/Relationships
Relationship counseling is an essential aspect of my services. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples build strong, healthy relationships. Many relationship issues stem from poor communication and a lack of deep listening—beyond just hearing.
I help people enhance or develop active listening skills, fostering understanding and validation of others, even without agreement. This approach improves problem-solving and decision-making. Strong communication skills can rejuvenate relationships with partners, family, friends, colleagues, and employers.
Stress Management/Wellness
In today’s fast-paced world, stress is an inevitable part of life. I understand how overwhelming it can feel when the pressures of work, relationships, and daily responsibilities start to pile up. However, stress doesn’t have to control your life. Effective stress management is about learning to navigate these pressures with resilience and calm.
Together, we will explore techniques and strategies that help you manage stress, regain balance, and find peace amidst the chaos. Whether it’s through mindfulness, time management, or simply talking it out, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a deeply personal and transformative journey that goes beyond the surface of daily life. I recognize the importance of nurturing your inner self and exploring the questions that connect you to something greater.
Spiritual growth is about finding meaning, developing a stronger connection with yourself, and understanding your place in the world. Together, we can explore your beliefs, values, and experiences, guiding you toward a more fulfilled and spiritually enriched life.
My goal is to help you discover and connect with your spiritual self.