About King Family Therapy

I'm the kind of therapist that listens well and also shares observations and feedback to help you create real change in your life. Sometimes that means change in your external environment, and sometimes it means change in your internal thoughts and feelings. Either way, it is important to me that therapy benefits you and helps you grow.

 

I am trained in various approaches including EMDR, Brainspotting, DBT, CBT, IFS, Gottman Method, and others. I earned my Masters in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University.

 

As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I am experienced in working with trauma and have researched psychological trauma and neuroscience with teams at Cedars-Sinai. I have an extensive background in addiction treatment and have held Clinical Director and Therapist positions at various rehabs across Southern California.​

 

Prior to becoming a therapist, my career was in Education. I earned a Masters from the University of Southern California and became an Educator for the Deaf. I started at a nonprofit learning center and theater program for children with hearing loss. I have held roles of Public School Teacher, Private Educational Specialist, and Nonprofit Director.

 

As for my own therapy - it started in a dance studio. I started classes at age 3, danced in college and professional arenas, and taught to children and teens. With an ongoing passion for dance and music, I still love going to concerts and exploring new musical artists.

 

Visit my website: michellekingtherapy.com​​​​​

Therapy can mark the beginning of rebuilding a sense of community in your life, or it may be your first exploration of what community truly means to you. Either way, I believe we’re all connected; we share common emotions, learn from each other, and grow together. I see therapy as more than just finding "the solution" for you. I see it as ultimately helping you live more authentically and meaningfully.

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I have extensive experience working with addiction and substance use issues, depression, trauma, attachment issues, incarceration, and abuse. Additionally, I support 12-step recovery and frequently integrate spirituality.

 

I utilize various treatment modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and mindfulness approaches. I am also trained in EMDR, which I find particularly effective in addressing the root causes of negative beliefs and fostering lasting change.

 

I earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Florida International University and a Bachelor’s in English/ Creative Writing from New York University. My path to becoming a therapist began after a brief yet fulfilling career in book and magazine publishing, which ultimately directed me to my principal passion of helping others in their personal growth.

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My approach is compassionate and gently direct. We look at your past from a somatic perspective, moving beyond just talking about and intellectualizing your challenges. By acknowledging and healing the parts of you obscured by fear caused by trauma and adversity, we can foster change.​​​​

Throughout my life, I have always had a passion for working with people and understanding the complexities of the mind and human behavior.

 

As a therapist, I provide support related to spirituality, dream work, obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety, depression, complex trauma, relational issues, couples counseling, and working with the LGBTQ+ community.​

 

I obtained a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, where I also earned a specialization in Spiritual and Depth Psychology.

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In therapy I utilize a person centered approach that integrates evidence-based interventions such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. I have consistently been committed to pursuing further education, with a current concentration on trauma work. I believe that every human being has a unique story to tell, and I like to get to the root of trauma to help healing begin.

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Before I decided to pursue therapy, I earned an undergraduate degree in Education from Texas A&M University. I worked with children for over a decade in public schools and on TV shows for networks such as Disney and Nickelodeon. I still have a passion for the arts, spirituality, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with people on their individual healing journeys. ​​​​

People often arrive in therapy when they have been unable to do things they think they should, or unable to stop themselves from doing things they think they shouldn’t. Change isn’t supposed to be easy. Neither I nor anyone else can walk the path for you. But I can walk beside you, try to avoid stumbling blocks we are likely to find, and maybe even figure out a shortcut or two. This is your journey, and only you can choose the direction and whether to take the first step. I would be honored to help you shoulder the load, be your extra pair of eyes, and your trusted travel companion.

 

Overall, my therapeutic approach is informed by my understanding of trauma and attachment. I am trained in CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, ACT, IFS, EMDR, Brainspotting, and NARM, and I often incorporate mindfulness and somatic interventions.

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As for me, my own road has taken quite a few turns. I’ve been married; I’ve been divorced. I continue to be a father. I have known trauma, grief, loss, depression, anxiety. I have seen the world through the eyes of a day laborer, federal investigator, stay-at-home parent, paramedic, armed guard, farm worker, soldier, corporate supervisor, truck driver, and youth counselor. There were times in my life when others needed what I had, and I gave it away. I was jobless, homeless, car-less, and a college freshman at age 41. I know I couldn't have made it this far without help I was often embarrassed to accept from others. Now, I get to be the one to help, and I love my life for it.

We are more alike than we are different. I believe that our shared ability to feel deeply and connect with one another is at the heart of human relationships. Whether it’s through common experiences, mutual interests, or even a shared laugh, these connections help us navigate life’s challenges.

 

In therapy, I prioritize creating an open, non-judgmental space where you feel supported in exploring your emotions, relationships, and personal struggles.​I offer support in areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. Using evidence-based approaches—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Psychodynamic Therapy—I tailor treatment to meet your unique needs, ensuring a personalized and effective therapeutic experience.

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I earned my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, following my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas Christian University, where I gained experience working in schools throughout Fort Worth, Texas.

 

My passion lies in helping you cultivate deeper self-awareness, emotional resilience, and meaningful connections in your life. Therapy, to me, is a collaborative process where you are empowered to take charge of your growth, and I am here to guide you with compassion and insight along the way.​​​​​