Michelle Waghorne

FIND HEALING AND LASTING CHANGE If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by the past, you’re not alone. Many people come to therapy knowing, on a logical level, that their negative beliefs about themselves aren’t true—but still feeling like they are. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, or the lasting effects of trauma, therapy can help you bridge the gap between what you know and what you truly believe about yourself. I specialize in trauma therapy and work with individuals who want to break free from painful patterns and emotional roadblocks. Using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), we can help your brain process difficult memories so they no longer hold the same emotional charge. EMDR is highly effective for both major traumas—such as assault or accidents—and the smaller, cumulative experiences that shape our sense of self and the world. Over time, this work can help you shift unhelpful patterns, ease emotional distress, and build a greater sense of resilience and confidence. WHAT TO EXPECT IN THERAPY Therapy should feel like a safe, supportive space where you can be yourself without judgment. My approach is down-to-earth, compassionate, and collaborative. We’ll work at a pace that feels right for you—whether that means learning new coping strategies, gaining deeper insight into your emotions and behaviors, or reprocessing past experiences so they no longer hold you back. I have a casual presence in sessions and often use humor when appropriate because healing, while important, doesn’t always have to feel heavy. My goal is to help you feel comfortable and understood while we do meaningful work together. For those struggling with self-doubt, fear of judgment, or perfectionism, I also incorporate The Daring Way™, a highly experiential model based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown. This approach explores vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness, helping you develop the confidence to show up more fully and authentically in your life. A LITTLE ABOUT ME I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Tulane University and have been in practice for 15 years. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (CCTS-I) and a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator (CDWF). My expertise is in trauma therapy, but I also work with anxiety, stress, self-doubt, and other concerns that prevent people from living with confidence and ease. I also have a dog who is present in sessions. While he’s not a certified therapy dog, many clients find his presence comforting and grounding. He’s friendly, calm, and enjoys providing quiet companionship, adding an extra layer of warmth and support to our work together. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO TAKE AWAY Each session is designed to help you feel heard, understood, and more equipped to handle life’s challenges. Some sessions may focus on practical strategies you can apply right away, while others may provide deeper insight into why you think and feel the way you do. When we use EMDR, we’ll work toward reprocessing past experiences so your mind functions more effectively. Over time, the symptoms that brought you to therapy—whether anxiety, self-doubt, or the weight of past experiences—should begin to lessen. You’ll develop greater emotional balance, resilience, and self-trust, allowing you to move forward with more confidence and ease. LET'S CONNECT If you're ready to start your healing journey, I’d love to connect and see how I can support you. You can call me at 504-439-1969, or reach out through this website.