Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Phelan.
Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a strong desire to help others. From animals to family and friends, my memories are full of caring for and feeling content listening to the challenges and joys shared with me.
Throughout the years, my empathy for others grew stronger, and I felt myself being pulled towards working in the field of mental health. As an undergraduate at the University of Kansas, I chose to major in both Psychology and Women’s Studies, as they each interested me in their own ways.
Over the next nine years, I explored areas within and outside of my undergraduate focus, then made the commitment to get my Master’s in Counseling at the University of North Texas. Currently, I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern under the supervision of Laura Pace, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT.
I’m blessed to work in practice with a group of outstanding clinicians who are both amazing at what they do and at being who they are. Where I am today is credited to a lot of hard work via training and self-reflection, unconditional support from my husband and children, Lynne and Katie whom I work with, and Laura – my clinical supervisor.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey to where I am today has been one of congruency, yet not without challenges along the way. Being a counselor is something that I believe is part of who I am.
Becoming a counselor is where my struggles have reared their heads. Part of the process of becoming a counselor involves introspection, awareness, and insight which are also aspects of the counseling process. There are times when the process is full of excitement and joy, and other times when challenging issues are worked through. I like to call this “painful growth,” kind of like the growing pains that come along with physical growth. I experienced my own “painful growth” as I emerged into my role as a counselor.
Among the challenges I faced, I found out that I was pregnant with our first son not long after I was accepted into the counseling program then my second son was born when the clinical portion of my program started. I was becoming a counselor and a mother all at the same time and therein grew my passion for working with parents and parents-to-be.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’ve worked for StarBrook Professionals since December of 2016 when I received my LPC-Intern license. We’re a group of mental health professionals in Carrollton, TX with an array of specialties who see individuals, couples, and families. I enjoy working with issues of anxiety, depression, grief, sexual trauma, relationship concerns, parenting, and the stressors of life.
My specialty is grounded in experience, passion, and specific training and research. I find great purpose in being a support to clients who are working through the challenges of becoming pregnant, pregnancy, the postpartum period, parenting, and grief.
I’m a member of Postpartum Support International (PSI) and have received a certificate of completion in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders from PSI.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
This is an interesting question that has sparked some reflection for me. In all honesty, as I look back on my journey, there’s nothing specific that I’d change. Each step and misstep has led me to where I am today.
Every joy and challenge have influenced my growth. Who I am has been shaped by this process so my answer is: I wouldn’t have done anything differently. Rather, I look forward into my career and trust that where I’ve been will provide me with what I need to get me to where I’m going.
I know my growth as a counselor will never end as this is an ever-changing field full of new research and the uniqueness of individuals. Understanding this has come with the challenges of learning to trust and accept myself.
For me, this quote from Carl Rogers eloquently describes the lens through which I view myself as well as my clients: “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” -Carl Rogers
Pricing:
- My fee is $90 for a 50-minute session.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4221 Medical Parkway, Suite 400 Carrollton, TX 75010
- Website: www.starbrookprofessionals.com
- Phone: (469) 346-8600
- Email: michellephelan@starbrookprofessionals.com
Image Credit:
Caren Hoehner
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