About Michele Root
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. I am a Stanford trained Social Worker, completing both an internship and post-graduate fellowship honing my clinical skills. I became a fully licensed clinical social worker practicing independently after completing more than 3,000 post-graduate supervised clinical hours and passing both the law & ethics and clinical board exams in California.
Education Background
Professional Experience & Training
Prior to becoming a therapist, I spent time in my late teens/early adulthood volunteering as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter at my local fire and ambulance companies in Pennsylvania. I was a 3rd generation firefighter and 2nd generation EMT in my family. I grew up learning what it means to show up for my community. At the time, while I felt comfortable with my skills in basic life support, I witnessed many of my patients and fellow first responders experience significant emotional impacts, which inspired me to study psychology in college. After completing my undergraduate degree, I went on to work in social services which involved child abuse and victim services, with a special emphasis on sexual assault. This provided me with the skills and knowledge of providing immediate emotional support to survivors and their families. This included experience attending rape forensic exams for both adults and children and navigating the criminal justice system. These events can have lasting impacts on survivors beyond the immediate aftermath. Therefore, I chose to attend graduate school to learn the clinical interventions as a clinician providing ongoing care beyond the immediate support. During graduate school, I completed an internship at Stanford Health Care where I spent time in inpatient psychiatry, oncology clinic, and the emergency department. I also completed an internship as a community therapist through the University of Southern California and was also selected to complete a voluntary externship with Keck School of Medicine that focused on older adults. After graduation, I completed a yearlong post-graduate fellowship at Stanford Children’s Health before transitioning to the private practice space.
It has been my dream to become a therapist, and I’ve been slowly building upon my education, skills and experience for almost two decades. I’m passionate about providing ethical, responsible, and evidence-based care for my clients.
Therapy Modalities I’m Trained In
I am a neuro-informed trauma therapist who incorporates evidence-based research about the nervous system and interpersonal neurobiology into our work together. Understanding the way your nervous system works, helps in tailoring which coping skills might work best for you. I use a psychodynamic and somatic approach while also incorporating some of the following therapeutic modalities:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Problem solving therapy
Solution focused therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Trauma resiliency model (TRM)
Gender affirmative care model
Attachment-based therapy
Person-centered therapy
Motivational interviewing
Mindfulness
Crisis brief therapy (usually 6-8 sessions)
I am passionate about providing holistic treatment, and I am consistently engaged in trainings, research, and literature on the topic. I consider myself a “forever student,” always trying to learn and grow to show up as the best therapist that I can be for my clients. You are the expert of your own life and I am honored to partner with you on part of your healing journey. That’s what I’m here for.