Michele Root, LCSW
Now accepting clients in California
Healing and Empowerment Through Therapy in the Bay Area
Welcome to my website. My name is Michele Root, and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California. I provide individual psychotherapy via telehealth.
I want to acknowledge that reaching out for help can be extremely tough to do. This is a safe, supportive, and judgement free zone. My website is designed to briefly provide some basic information about me as a licensed clinician and my therapy practice in the state of California. I’m physically located in the South Bay Area in the heart of Silicon Valley, but I provide psychotherapy via telehealth to clients located anywhere in the state.
My goal is to provide a safe healing sanctuary for trauma survivors and those wanting to improve their mental health. Processing feelings and memories, along with regulating your nervous system, is hard work. Often when starting therapy, things may feel worse before they get better. Also, healing is not linear, so it can be a bumpy journey ahead. I’m here to go through it with you. You don’t have to do it alone. Along the way, we’ll work together to develop skills in helping you manage your nervous system and reconnect with yourself so that you can return to or discover your authentic self.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about my clinical work or if you’d like to schedule a time to speak with me. I offer an initial free 20 minute phone consultation as a time for you to ask any questions and we can determine if it would be a good fit working together. I respond to every message I receive. I do my best to schedule consultation phone calls as soon as possible. I know often, when searching for the right therapist, it’s urgent, and I respect that.
This practice is a safe space for people of all gender identities, ethnic backgrounds, and sexual orientations.
Finding the Right Fit
One of the most important aspects of therapy is having good rapport with your therapist. It may take time for me to earn your trust, and that’s ok. I also might not be the best fit for you, and that’s ok too. Ultimately, you deserve a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel comfortable opening up and working through the intimate parts of your life.
Here’s a little about who I am outside of my role as a therapist:
I identify as a white, cisgender woman and a first-generation college graduate. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and later moved to California with my spouse, a military veteran, to pursue graduate school. After living in downtown Los Angeles, we eventually settled in the Bay Area—a journey from the East Coast to the West Coast.
I’ve always been a “bookworm,” and reading has been an integral part of my own healing journey. In fact, I sometimes incorporate references to relational books or movies into sessions to foster deeper connections and understanding.
Nature and animals bring me inspiration and joy. My cat, Evie, may occasionally make a guest appearance as an emotional support animal during telehealth sessions. Prioritizing my own health and fitness is another cornerstone of my life, allowing me to show up as my best self in my work. As a lifelong runner, I’ve found running to be a powerful way to retrain my nervous system and cultivate balance.
If you have any questions or want to know more about me or my approach, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your comfort and confidence in finding the right therapist are important to me.
Areas of Practice
Therapy can be a powerful tool for navigating life’s challenges and finding healing. I work with individuals facing a wide range of concerns. As a trauma therapist, I specialize in providing care in a compassionate and safe environment. Below is a list of some of the issues I help clients address. Together, we’ll explore your unique needs and create a path toward growth and change.
• Feeling stuck because of hurtful relationships or past mistreatment, including emotional, verbal, physical, or sexual abuse
• Healing after sexual assault
• Healing childhood wounds
• Recovering from unsafe or controlling relationships
• Breaking patterns of generational trauma
• Coping with upsetting memories, constant worry, or avoiding certain situations
• Adjusting to major life changes like college, career shifts, or new relationships
• Navigating workplace stress or challenges with coworkers and bosses
• Overcoming anxiety, worry, or an inability to relax
• Building stronger communication and relationship skills
• Managing feelings of sadness or disconnection
• Tackling procrastination, focus issues, or motivation struggles
• Addressing trust issues or difficulties connecting with others
• Finding balance and stress management while feeling burned out or overwhelmed
• Exploring and affirming your gender and sexual identity
• Feeling emotionally drained from helping others in high-stress jobs (including first responders)