Michelle Fox
Licensed Social Worker, MSW
In-Person & Virtual Sessions
Therapy for Teens 14+ and Adults
I am deeply passionate about supporting teens and adults who are navigating the heavy waves of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. These challenges often speak much louder than our day-to-day living, making it difficult to feel present or "at home" within ourselves. I also specialize in walking alongside those moving through grief, trauma, and major life transitions—those seasons where the ground feels like it has shifted and you’re searching for a new way to stand. I believe that even when life feels its loudest, there is still a core part of you that is whole and capable of healing.
I find deep meaning in helping people bridge the gap between their past experiences and their future goals. Whether we are gently navigating childhood wounds that still impact your present, or tackling the modern stressors that keep you feeling stuck, my goal is to help you turn down the volume of those overwhelming voices. We’ll work towards developing positive coping skills and improving your self-esteem, relationships and communication skills.
You are the expert of your own life and I will meet you exactly where you are today — not where you "should" be or where others expect you to be. We all have different capacities at different times, and I will never push you toward something you don't have the space or energy for.
My role is to offer compassion and guidance along the way, helping you navigate your path with a sense of safety and dignity, while feeling safe and understood. I am here to provide a steady, supportive presence as we look for the patterns that open the door to more freedom and self-trust, ensuring you feel empowered every step of the way.
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Anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and grief.
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A session with me is a non-judgemental opening to come as you are by exploring what feels most pronounced emotionally, physically, or both within yourself. You can expect me to provide humor when appropriate, but also to challenge you once we have built a foundation of trust. I aim to help you increase hope and ease while also working on maladaptive coping tools at your own pace. Through a genuine and authentic relationship, I want you to feel that I am a guide in the passenger seat while we navigate new roads. Our sessions reflect healing that blooms throughout attunement, messiness, and commitment.
A typical session with me is a safe, compassionate space where you can talk about what’s on your mind without judgment. We start by checking in about how you’ve been feeling since our last session, then explore any challenges, patterns, or emotions you’re experiencing. Together, we identify goals, practice strategies, and reflect on insights. This is always at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
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Genuine, reflective, and authentic.
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Humans need humans. You don’t have to heal alone. I offer a safe, compassionate space where we can set down the weight together and work at your own pace. Instead of focusing on what needs to be “fixed,” we will work together to reconnect with your true self and rediscover the parts of you that are already whole and resilient.
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My ideal client is someone who is ready to come exactly as they are. You don’t need to have a polished version of your story or a clear map of where you’re going; you only need the willingness to show up. I work best with individuals who are ready to commit to the process, even when it feels scary or difficult. Whether you are carrying a heavy load of anxiety, navigating a life transition, or feeling disconnected from yourself, I welcome it. In our space, all emotions are invited. I am looking for clients who are open to a partnership where we move at your pace, honoring your unique path toward reclaiming your strength.
What truly lights me up is witnessing the moment when vulnerability meets safety—that is when the magic of healing really shines. There is something incredibly sacred about the "aha" moment when a client reconnects with themselves or feels the physical release of setting down a weight they've carried for years.
Areas of Focus
Top Specialties:
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma & PTSD
Areas of Expertise:
Adolescents
Behavioral Issues
Body Image
Codependency
Coping Skills
Dual Diagnosis
Eating Disorders
Emotional Disturbance
Family Conflict
Grief
LGBTQIA +
Life Transitions
Mindfulness
Mood Disorders
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Stress
Suicidal Ideation
Women's Issues
Works With
Teens 14+, Adults
Schedule
Monday Virtual (Afternoon-Evening)
Tuesday (Afternoon-Evening)
Wednesday (Afternoon-Evening)
Thursday (Afternoon-Evening)
Friday (Morning-Afternoon)
In Network With
BCBS PPO
Aetna PPO
Anthem Blue Cross PPO
Cigna/Evernorth PPO
Education
Aurora University - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 2021
Aurora University - Master’s Degree in Social Work, 2023
Personal Interests
I love cuddling with my dog, working out, and cozy nights in with a good book or show. I enjoy spending time with friends and family. It's always a perk if they bring their dogs or there is a dog sighting!
Therapy with Michelle
Therapy is never a "one size fits all" experience. Because every person’s story is unique, I use an integrative approach, which means I pull from several different "toolkits" to find exactly what works for you. In our sessions, we will use a mixture of:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): To help you identify the patterns and behaviors that keep you stuck and give you practical tools to cope when emotions feel overwhelming.
Somatic & Mindfulness Approaches: This is about understanding what your body is telling you before your brain even catches up. By becoming more attuned to your nervous system, we can shift away from anxious thought spirals and find a sense of calm.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Emotions Work: We will take a compassionate look at the different "parts" of your inner self—the ones that try to protect you and the ones that hold your deepest hurts.
Solution-Focused Therapy: While we honor your past, we also use reflective exercises to focus on the present and explore what you want your future self to look like.
I combine these specific styles because true healing happens when we bridge the gap between our thoughts and our physical sensations. In essence, these approaches help us better understand the "why" behind your patterns.
We will look back at how your brain and body have worked to "protect" you over the years, which helps us approach your inner self with curiosity rather than judgment. Together, we will practice tangible tools during our time together that you can take into your daily life, ensuring you feel equipped to handle whatever comes your way. My goal is to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself so you can build a life that feels grounded, resilient, and entirely your own.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy, specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. DBT is especially effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions.
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based program designed to reduce stress & enhance wellbeing through mindfulness practices, like meditation, body scans & mindful movement. to encourage present-moment awareness & acceptance.
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Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of people suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma.
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) is frequently used as an evidence-based psychotherapy, helping people heal by accessing and healing their protective and wounded inner parts.
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Somatic interventions are therapeutic techniques that focus on the body and its relationship with the mind and emotions. They aim to promote physical and psychological well-being by addressing bodily sensations, movement, and awareness.
Schedule a Session or Consult
Interested in working together? Fill out the form, call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We also offer a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Insurance or Self Pay
Learn more about using your insurance. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135 for a 50-53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help.
