“I made the decision to pursue a career as a therapist because of my own journey. During most of high school, I had aspirations to attend college to study journalism. Under the surface, I had been dealing with a number of my own mental health symptoms since age twelve. In my junior year at GNA, my own anxiety and panic attacks became debilitating. I had started to hear back from colleges regarding my journalism major and was getting ready to accept an offer, and during this time, I started seeing a therapist; her guidance and belief in me actually inspired me to become one! I completely rearranged my goals and college applications in order to pursue social work.
The way I saw myself change and function in a healthy way for the first time really changed everything for me. I have been able to work with others as a highly competent therapist who gives her all in her work. I think it’s important for people to know that it is possible to be a healer while still needing help of your own. In fact, I think the best therapists are those who have had their own journeys.
I work primarily with children, teenagers, and young adults; my specializations are in Trauma and Grief and Loss. I believe that with every client I work with, I am making a small difference. I have the very sacred opportunity to work with others in a very difficult time in their lives. I believe that children and teens are our future, and the more healing we have in each generation, the better our society will function.
I am a few months away from receiving my final license as an LCSW-C/LCSW. I am also working on becoming a Certified Grief Counselor. I hope to open my own private practice by 2026, and I am working on a book! The future is whatever I want to make it, and I want to make it bright! And that’s what I want to impart on kids reading this: have hope in the future. I know times are very scary right now, but the future is theirs to create. I’d also like to impart the importance of being of service: helping others is the greatest gift in the world, in my opinion–after all, it is my job! I couldn’t picture doing anything else. But also keep in mind, you don’t have to be in a “helping” profession to help others. Even volunteering your time at a soup kitchen or shelter can bring about major change in your community.”
Katlyn Michaels, 2013
Therapist (Private Practice),
Licensed Master Social Worker
