Contemplative Psychotherapy for Anxiety & Sleep
Science-backed therapy rooted in contemplative traditions
Online throughout Massachusetts and Virginia | In-person sessions in Central Virginia.
A Holistic Approach to Therapy
If you’ve been struggling with anxiety or feeling emotionally overwhelmed and it’s affecting your sleep, work, or relationships, contemplative psychotherapy offers a comprehensive approach that addresses your whole person—mind, body, and lifestyle.
Michelle integrates science-backed therapeutic approaches with evidence-based mind-body practices such as meditation, breathwork, and gentle movement to help you develop sustainable coping skills and reset your nervous system.
This approach may include teaching mind-body skills similar to those covered in workshops, depending on your treatment goals and preferences, but customized to your specific needs and integrated into your treatment plan.
Why This Approach Works
Traditional talk therapy focuses primarily on thoughts and emotions, but lasting change requires addressing your whole system. Michelle’s approach, grounded in scientific research and years of study in Himalayan contemplative traditions, recognizes that sustainable transformation happens when we work with mind, body, and lifestyle together.
Why a comprehensive approach matters: Longstanding stress and anxiety affect multiple areas—concentration, sleep, relationships, physical health, and overall well-being. This is why we’ll also check in on elements like nutrition, exercise, and relationship patterns that support your mental health.
This approach is particularly effective if you’re interested in:
- Greater self-awareness and emotional regulation
- Learning practical tools to work with racing thoughts
- Developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself
- Addressing anxiety and sleep issues at the nervous system level
How We Work Together
We’ll start by identifying what areas of your life feel out of balance and sources of anxiety, then create an individualized plan incorporating:
- Nervous system regulation techniques for immediate and ongoing relief
- Mind training practices including meditation and cognitive strategies
- Body-based approaches like breathwork and gentle movement
- Lifestyle support for sleep, nutrition, exercise, and relationships
The goal: Develop transferable skills you can use in daily life, not just coping strategies for crisis moments.
What This Means for Your Daily Life
Imagine:
- Instead of snapping at loved ones or colleagues when you’re stressed, you’re able to pause and respond thoughtfully
- Instead of lying awake worrying, you sleep through the night and wake up feeling rested
- Instead of doubting your choices, you feel confident in your decisions without needing constant reassurance
- Instead of missing half the conversation because your mind is elsewhere, you’re able to stay engaged and present
- Instead of just getting through each day, you’re actually enjoying your life
This is what becomes possible when you develop practical skills for working with your mind, nervous system, and daily habits in an integrated way.
Research shows that mind-body approaches can be more effective than traditional therapy alone, especially when personalized within a comprehensive framework.
How do we begin?
- Format: Weekly sessions via secure online platform or in-person in Central Virginia
- Insurance: I’m an Out-of-network provider (I can provide a “superbill” receipt for possible reimbursement from your insurance)
- Fees: $185 per 50-minute session (see FAQ for more information on payment)
- Start with a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs and determine if this approach is right for your goals.