MY CORE
VALUES
AUTHENTICITY -
I honor and accept the inner truths of others. Each clients’ thoughts, feelings, and lived experiences are welcome in our work together.
MINDFULNESS -
I thoughtfully attune to each client during sessions, and provide insights on ways for them to engage in their own non-judgemental self reflection as a tool for healing and change.
RESILIENCE -
I believe that humans are ultimately capable of rebalancing and recovering from the hard things in life. When we are willing to acknowledge and be present with our pain, we can alchemize it into strength and meaning.
WISDOM -
I help clients to understand that wisdom, born from a combination of experience, reflection, and discernment, serves as a guiding light in navigating life's complexities.
GROWTH -
I know that human beings possess an extraordinary capacity for growth, both emotionally and intellectually, as they continually learn from experiences, adapt to challenges, and strive for self-improvement throughout their lives.
I'M MICHELLE
Hello, and welcome to my practice! My name is Michelle Khalife, and I am a licensed therapist based in Tampa, Florida. I offer individual therapeutic services to adolescents and adults from all walks of life. My primary goal as a therapist is to provide a healing space for you to self-explore as you navigate the path of growth and change.
I am licensed to practice therapy in the state of Florida and Virginia, and earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition to my training as a clinician, I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) through Yoga Alliance and a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP.) My 10 years of work in the mental health and wellness field have taught me that the path to true healing often involves embracing a “mind, body, and soul” approach. Together, we will explore and enrich various areas of your life to create a more comprehensive state of well-being.
I believe in tailoring treatment to meet each client's unique needs by utilizing evidence-based and holistic practices to facilitate meaningful and lasting change. As a client of mine, you will be seen as the expert of your life, and I will customize my approach each session to best meet your identified goals. Some of the therapeutic modalities I draw from the most include Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I also have training in various mindfulness and somatic based practices designed to help clients develop skills such as self-awareness and self-compassion.
Seeking therapy is a courageous step towards healing. My hope is that my warm, authentic, and dedicated approach helps you feel right at home in our work together. My clients are truly the heart and joy of this work, and I would be honored to work with you in my practice.
PRIMARY SPECIALTIES
I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults in an environment that is empowering and caring. The integrative and evidence-based modalities I utilize are designed to help clients heal from their past, develop mindfulness in the present, and envision a future that they can feel excited about. In addition to the primary specialties you see below, I also work with adolescents and adults who are experiencing depression, relationship issues, family conflict, academic-related concerns, and work stressors.
LIFE TRANSITIONS
If there is one constant in life, it is that change is always occurring. Life transitions, whether anticipated or unexpected, can rock the foundation of our stability and well-being. Whether it be changes in relationships, career, health, or other major life events, therapy can help you explore your feelings, cope with challenges, and adapt to new circumstances. In our work together I will assist you in processing the emotions associated with life transitions and help you practice useful coping strategies that grow your resilience. Working through the impacts of big life changes can ultimately help empower you to embrace new chapters in your life with greater confidence and ease.
TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS
It is never too early to start building the foundation of a healthy life. Engaging in therapy at a formative age can help you manage the unique challenges of our modern world in order to thrive personally, academically, relationally, and professionally. Much of my work with teens and young adults is centered around skills-building in areas such as healthy relationships, communication, self-awareness, responsible decision making, and emotional management. My hope is that the clients who seek services with me early in life have a positive therapeutic experience while learning to engage in self-honoring behaviors that promote lifelong wellness and contentment.
STRESS, BURNOUT & ANXIETY MANAGEMENT
When we are living with chronic stress and untreated anxiety, our lives can start to feel unmanageable and out of balance. Maybe you feel like you can’t stop the constant thoughts in your mind and you doubt every decision you make. You feel like you are constantly fearing the worst outcome, which prevents you from confidently moving forward into action. You may feel both “wired and tired,” and you struggle to find peace in the present moment due to overwhelm. Therapy can provide you with a safe space for exploring the underlying causes of stress and anxiety while developing coping mechanisms to navigate your unique triggers and stressors. Using evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based techniques, I can help you learn how to “mind your mind” and regain a sense of balance in your life. Together we will practice calming your inner world so that you can more closely connect with your wise and secure self.
INTEGRATIVE MENTAL HEALTH
Integrative therapy recognizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of a person's life, aiming to address the root causes of challenges rather than merely treating symptoms. In our therapeutic work together, we will take a look at the various biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that are influencing your overall well-being. I work from the understanding that each person who seeks treatment with me is a unique individual who deserves personalized care. My approach allows you to explore multiple avenues for personal growth and healing, fostering a more comprehensive and sustainable path to mental wellness. As a Certified Integrative Mental Health Practitioner (CIMHP) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200), I am well prepared to teach and recommend additional holistic methods of healing (such as meditation and breathwork) to support the therapeutic goals you are hoping to achieve.
GRIEF & LOSS
Grief and loss are profound and universal experiences that can significantly impact every aspect of our lives. The death of a loved one or pet, the end of a relationship, changes in our health, a relocation to a new place, the postponement of our life plans, or the future we imagined not being our current reality. These types of losses, amongst others, can bring about a wide set of feelings such as shock, sadness, anger, regret, and hopelessness. Engaging in therapeutic grief work in a safe and empathetic setting can provide you with practical and emotional coping skills that aid you in adjusting to your life while navigating the aftermath of loss. If your heart is hurting and you feel life has been turned upside down, know that healing is possible. I understand that loss can be devastating, and I’m here to walk beside you as you navigate and recover from this challenging time.
SELF-ESTEEM
How we perceive and value ourselves can have an immense impact on our mental wellbeing. Self-limiting thoughts and beliefs can ultimately prevent us from advancing towards the things we want most in life. Over time, our inner-critic can lead us to believe that maybe something is deeply wrong with us, or that we are broken beyond repair. Often, issues with self-esteem can begin to distort the truth of our innate worth and goodness. It’s time to rewrite the story of who you are from a more loving and self-compassionate place. In our therapy sessions together I will help you identify, address, and release the core thoughts and beliefs that are weighing you down. This work will aid you in deeply cultivating a sense of self-worth and resilience, which will ultimately empower you to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and a more positive outlook.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
