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Michelle Crossley, PhD, LMHC, NCC
I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with years of experience providing individual, family and couples counseling to a wide range of clients. I believe in meeting clients where they are and appreciate the power of the therapeutic relationship. Working from an eclectic approach provides my clients with the response needed to the problems they present in session--sticking with one rigid style may not be helpful for every possible person. I consider the biological, psychological and social factors in understanding and tailoring my approach to each client.
Of particular interest and specialty is working with gender diverse/gender non-conforming individuals. I have worked with a number of clients along their unique gender journey: from questioning gender identity to preparing for gender-affirming medical procedures/surgery. Additionally, I have participated in and delivered advanced training opportunities on transgender physical and mental health for mental health providers. I have complete the coursework for WPATH's Global Education Initiative and follow the WPATH Standards of Care when working with transgender clients and can provide needed documentation for those seeking additional gender-affirming procedures. Please call me to discuss what this might look like for you, as everyone's process will be unique to the situation.
I am also trained as a Pet Loss Grief Specialist through the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) and worked along colleagues to redevelop an 8-week training for others interested in pet loss work. This work is needed within our social understanding of loss and grief; I believe in the power of the human-animal bond and understand the shock and sadness that pet parents can experience secondary to this type of loss. I will work with you to process the experience and find meaning to the lost relationship, working to resolving the loss of your companion animal. APLB provides many resources to it's members and is one of the reasons why I volunteer my time with the organization as the Vice-President, a member of the Board of Directors and Training Coordinator.
I have been fortunate enough to use my education and training as a counselor and counselor educator in the classroom as an Assistant Professor at Rhode Island College. I enjoy working with students who are passionate about mental health counseling, social justice, and the process of change. My hope is that all students strive to find a way about counseling that aligns with who they are as an individual.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education, North Carolina State University (CACREP Accredited Program)
M.S. in College Student Development and Counseling, Northeastern University
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
RI Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MHC00868)
National Certified Counselor
Approved Clinical Supervisor (can serve as Licensure Supervisor in 2022)
Pet Loss Grief Specialist
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (Vice-President 2021-present; Board of Directors 2013-present; Training Coordinator 2020-present)
Rhode Island Mental Health Counselors Association (President July 2019-present; President-Elect July 2017-June 2019; Board of Directors-September 2015-present)
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