My name is Michelle Middleton, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker committed to trauma informed, client-centered treatment. I am a lifetime resident of Washington State and am privileged to be able to call this area my home.

I obtained my Human Services bachelor’s degree in 2016 from Western Washington University (WWU). Following graduation from WWU I was accepted into the Master’s in Social Work program at University of Southern California and graduated from this program in 2018.

During obtainment of my undergraduate degree through Western Washington University, I interned with my communities local YWCA. This agency provided shelter and services for individuals and families who experienced domestic violence. Also, I was chosen to be included in a small group of students who had the amazing opportunity to travel abroad to South Africa and engage in a practicum while learning and immersing ourselves in the truthful history of this country.

Upon graduation from my Master’s Program I was hired from an clinical intern position to a paid clinical position at a community agency that provides therapeutic services to sexual assault/abuse survivors and victims of crime.  I have worked with victims of crime, sexual assault survivors and their families for over 5 years. In our time together we explored what was necessary for them to reengage with their life on their terms. My time with this agency showed me that validating a human’s truth is critical and valuable to healing.

I have worked closely with our state’s Children’s Advocacy Center and was provided many training opportunities to treat and work with children, youth and caregivers who have experienced trauma in their life. I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Problematic Sexual Behaviors, Trauma Focused Behavioral Therapy- telehealth.

My social work career has allowed me to witness and be a part of another’s healing. Our time together, I will follow your lead while adding time into our sessions to reflect and challenge self and the systems. As a clinician I utilize the empowerment theory while we explore who you are in your environment.

I entered this field because I I witnessed a gap in services and lack of accountability from the systems that are supposed to be there to support all humans globally. In my career I have worked to educate systems and families on how children and adolescents requires systems to provide safe, nurturing environments so they can move into adulthood with a secure foundation. I believe in my clients and validate their experiences.

I believe that we all have the capability to arrive at the life we envision. With the right tools, healthy support, and connection we can all find our way.

 Link to Psychology Today page:  Michelle Middleton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Port Orchard, WA, 98366 | Psychology Today

Link to my website: https://www.rootedconnectionscounseling.net