About
Clinic: Telehealth
Licenses: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)/Pre-Licensed LPCC
Education: St. Cloud State University, MS Rehabilitation & Addictions Counseling Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach
Patients Age: 18+
Michelle's areas of interest include: -OCD and Anxiety -ADHD and Autism -PTSD and Trauma -Disabilities and Chronic Illness/Pain -Depression and Grief/Loss -Eating Disorders -Recovery: Addictions/Mental Health -Life Transitions/Goals and Career/Finance -Relationships: Family/Friends/Dating -Communication Skills and Boundaries -Sleep/Insomnia and Nutrition -Sex/Sexuality and Culture/Identity -Parenting and Adoption
In her practice, Michelle is committed to fostering collaborative and trusting relationships through telehealth to help clients navigate life transitions, overcome challenges, achieve goals and bolster resilience. Her approach is deeply empathetic and trauma-informed, backed by extensive training and experience in areas that include research, assessments and addictions recovery. She creates a nonjudgmental space where clients can freely express needs and feelings, and invites clients to share their culture, interests, and passions. As an adoptive parent in a transracial/transcultural family, and hailing from an extended immigrant background, Michelle brings a deep understanding of diverse identities and experiences. As an ally, she welcomes LGBTQIA+ clients. Michelle enjoys collaborating with immigrants, first-gen learners, emerging/retiring adults and those for whom English is not their first language. In sessions, she uses evidence-based therapies such as Motivational Interviewing, Relational-Cultural Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy, and integrates Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques.
Licenses: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)/Pre-Licensed LPCC
Education: St. Cloud State University, MS Rehabilitation & Addictions Counseling Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach
Patients Age: 18+
Michelle's areas of interest include: -OCD and Anxiety -ADHD and Autism -PTSD and Trauma -Disabilities and Chronic Illness/Pain -Depression and Grief/Loss -Eating Disorders -Recovery: Addictions/Mental Health -Life Transitions/Goals and Career/Finance -Relationships: Family/Friends/Dating -Communication Skills and Boundaries -Sleep/Insomnia and Nutrition -Sex/Sexuality and Culture/Identity -Parenting and Adoption
In her practice, Michelle is committed to fostering collaborative and trusting relationships through telehealth to help clients navigate life transitions, overcome challenges, achieve goals and bolster resilience. Her approach is deeply empathetic and trauma-informed, backed by extensive training and experience in areas that include research, assessments and addictions recovery. She creates a nonjudgmental space where clients can freely express needs and feelings, and invites clients to share their culture, interests, and passions. As an adoptive parent in a transracial/transcultural family, and hailing from an extended immigrant background, Michelle brings a deep understanding of diverse identities and experiences. As an ally, she welcomes LGBTQIA+ clients. Michelle enjoys collaborating with immigrants, first-gen learners, emerging/retiring adults and those for whom English is not their first language. In sessions, she uses evidence-based therapies such as Motivational Interviewing, Relational-Cultural Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy, and integrates Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques.
Q&A
What was your path to becoming a mental health professional?
A naturally empathetic listener and nurturer, I came to our profession with decades of expertise
in communications, health care and coaching, and over 15 years' experience building trust and
relationships through virtual platforms. Responding to community needs during the pandemic in
spired me to gain training to achieve my long-held dream of becoming a licensed psychotherapist.
What should clients expect when working with you?
As a therapist, I prioritize two core skills: being an attentive listener who offers feedback respectfully, and
empowering individuals who feel overwhelmed to acquire skills that foster hope and clarity amidst
complexity. Together, we navigate towards peace and organization as I tailor evidence-based
methodologies and care plans to each person's unique circumstances and preferences.
If you could be doing anything else, what would it be?
I find joy in cats, music, fostering kindness, and enjoying Asian dramas. Snowy days and the ocean
bring me peace. I live a philosophy of embracing curiosity and learning. I recently took up traditional
Chinese cooking. My family's response has been satisfying! And I've made a reality of my dream to
take lessons in Taiwanese Mandarin. It's challenging and super fun.
Schedule with Buonfiglio,
Next available
Next 30 days