Michelle Van Aken
Psychotherapist
La Mesa, California
License CA LPCC12246; WA LMHC LH0007429
Online & In-Person
About Michelle
I’ve been in private practice for nearly 20 years….but there is more than an education or experience. My work has been filled with the lives of people I have been able to witness heal traumas, or find a new journey, or come to themselves more fully. Counseling may bring relief, recovery, tools to use or release from pain. Healing is a pathway and I get to walk beside you. I will hold the hope until you can hold it, and I will be honored to go on your journey with you.
Insurance Accepted
OptumUnitedHealthcare
Out-of-Network Cost
$100 - 170 per session
Sliding scale
About Me
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
When I was in my early 20’s and in college, I started my own personal journey with a therapist. She saw me and three of my friends. We compared our time with her and how she treated each of us differently, but with kindness and respect. She was my inspiration. Thru my years in practice, I have worked to treat each person with that same kindness and respect.
About Me
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Therapists are not all the same. If one doesn’t fit with what you need or want, find a new one! Therapy is about you, it’s your process.
About Me
What should people thinking about working with you, know about you?
I am open and accepting, sometimes funny and really enjoy working with people. Not very many things catch me by surprise in therapy. Most things that people feel shame to talk about, I have heard and helped. I want to support people on their journey. I will follow and offer support, suggestions, skills, but it is your journey. It is my greatest joy to watch people recover and reclaim their lives.
Location
Specialties
AnxietyBipolar DisorderDepressionSelf EsteemSexual AbuseStress
Client Focuses
PreteenTeenAdultChildren (6-10)
Approaches
Attachment-basedCoachingCognitive Behavioral (CBT)Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)Motivational Interviewing