Meet your therapist
I’m Michelle, LCSW based in Asheville, NC
Michelle has spent twelve years in clinical practice, the last six focused specifically on trauma-informed care. She works with trauma, anxiety, grief, and relationship issues, and she works at your pace rather than a fixed treatment timeline.
Alongside traditional talk therapy, she integrates EMDR and somatic-based techniques, choosing the approach that fits the person in the room rather than the diagnosis on paper.
“Healing happens in relationship, not in isolation. My role is to walk alongside you, not ahead of you.”
Issues I can help with
AnxietyDepressionGrief and LossRelationship IssuesAttentional DifficultiesBehavioral IssuesLife TransitionsTreatment approaches
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Somatic Experiencing
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Trauma-Informed Care
Our office space
Healing should feel safe, collaborative and grounded, not overwhelming or clinical
Together, we move at a pace that respects where you are, using approaches grounded in how the body and mind actually process and heal from difficult experiences.
FAQ
What happens in a first session?+
The first hour is a conversation, not an exam. You talk about what brought you here; Dr. Ellis listens, asks a few questions, and together you decide what working together might look like. New client intake visits are typically scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
How does booking work?+
Choose a service, pick in-person or virtual, and select a time from the shared calendar. Your spot is held with upfront payment, and you'll get a confirmation with a link to reschedule or cancel on your own.
What is the cancellation policy?+
Life happens — please give at least 24 hours' notice when you need to cancel or reschedule, using the link in your confirmation. Cancellations inside 24 hours may be charged the session fee, since the time was held for you.
Do you take insurance?+
Insurance isn't billed directly, but superbills are provided for clients who want to self-file with their insurer for out-of-network reimbursement.
Is there any flexibility on cost?+
A small number of sliding-scale spots are kept open at any time. If the standard rates are out of reach, mention it in your first conversation — it's a normal thing to ask about.
In-person or virtual — how do I choose?+
Both work well. In-person sessions happen in Asheville, NC; virtual sessions are open to anyone located in North Carolina at the time of the session. EMDR intensives are in person only.
Is a dog really part of this?+
Sometimes. Biscuit, a rescue terrier mix, joins some in-person sessions for clients who find that comforting. Just say the word and she'll join — or stay in the other room entirely.