Michele Mick is a compassionate, person-centered therapist who specializes in working with older adults—bringing both deep professional expertise and a personal understanding of later-life experiences. She values the rich stories, wisdom, and resilience of her clients and delights in helping them pursue new avenues for well-being and happiness.
Michele Mick
Ph.D.
Specialties
Anger ManagementAnxiety DisordersBipolar DisorderBorderline Personality DisorderChronic IllnessChronic PainCodependencyCoping SkillsDepressionDissociative DisordersGender Identity IssuesLGBTQ+Men’s IssuesMood DisordersNarcissistic Personality DisorderObsessive Compulsive DisorderPersonality DisordersRelationship IssuesSelf EsteemSleep or InsomniaStressTrauma/PTSD
Learn more about Michele Mick
Working with older adults gives me the chance to hear their stories, honor their wisdom, and accompany them as they pursue their goals for future life enrichment. As an older adult myself, I enjoy working with those with whom I share many lifetime experiences. We speak each other’s language and “get” each other’s references. I find that older adults trust that I can “see” them and value them. I respect their contributions to this world. I respect their struggles to overcome obstacles. It’s a joy to help older adults discover new opportunities for well-being and happiness.
It wasn’t scientific research or survey statistics that convinced me that online therapy is effective for older adults—it’s was my firsthand experience. Before the pandemic, I only provided therapy in-person. I wasn’t happy about being forced to do video therapy sessions in the beginning. However, I quickly learned that video therapy really works! I was surprised that it was older adults who most appreciated online therapy. They had learned to use online platforms to stay connected with family and friends, as well as their healthcare providers. Once they figured out their equipment, they discovered having psychotherapy online made it easy to overcome prior barriers to attending sessions. No more having to miss sessions due to transportation problems, caregiver responsibilities, mobility limitations, or pain flare ups. They appreciated, in particular, that an online session only required the time to attend the session. No more having to devote time to travel to and from the therapy office. No more wasting time fighting traffic or finding a place to park! Even when the option for in-person therapy returned, none of my older adults wanted to go back to the “old way.” They wanted to be able to connect through online video sessions and then get on with their day.
I don’t think of myself as approaching therapy sessions. I am approaching a person. During a therapy session, I encounter a person in the present moment of their life. I meet them where they are, listening deeply to the stories of their past and their desires for their future. I am a companion on a journey to where the person wants to go. Yes, I have lots of expert knowledge and experience to help guide the journey as needed. However, I recognize that the person themself is the real expert on their own life. So, to me, therapy with each individual is a unique experience of discovery and growth. There is no “one size fits all.”
This may sound like strange advice for someone new to therapy, but I want you to know that you don’t have to know what you are doing to start therapy. You don’t have to know exactly what you are looking for. You don’t have to understand how therapy works. You just have to show up. It’s that easy. You have to show up and keep showing up. It is not uncommon for those starting therapy to have had lives that have left them with “trust issues” and fear that they won’t be seen or understood. Show up and see that it is possible to grow in trust. It is not uncommon for people to be inexperienced in sharing openly and honestly about their lives. They may think it’s somehow wrong to “air their dirty laundry.” It’s not wrong but only unfamiliar to allow yourself and your therapist to look together at the true story of your life. If you keep coming, I promise you will figure it out and wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Therapists Who Understand Aging
Have Hope After Three Sessions
After three sessions a majority of clients have hope that their situation is improving.
YOUR THERAPIST IS A CLICK AWAY
Start Your Journey Towards Better Health
Reach out to us through our website or by phone. We’ll verify your Medicare coverage to see if you qualify for free therapy sessions.
After discussing your needs, we recommend one of our experienced therapists and schedule your first appointment.
Therapists Who Understand Aging
See Change After Six Sessions
After six sessions a majority of clients have reflected that actual change occured.