Wouldn’t it feel great if you could just be unapologetically yourself…with no fear of judgment or feelings of inferiority?

Imagine the freedom that can come from living an authentic life that is centered around your values. My guess is that you’re probably too busy right now to even imagine this being a possibility.

In my approach to working with clients, I serve as a companion on your journey to reclaiming balance and rediscovering joy in the midst of life’s demands. If we’re being honest, we would probably admit that the list of demands never ends, and as soon as we finish a to-do list, there are 5 more things to add. Specializing in working with teens and adults who find themselves overbooked, overcommitted, and overwhelmed, I bring a unique blend of therapeutic approaches to create a tailored and effective support system. This approach allows you to develop a different type of relationship with your daily stressors….a more functional relationship where you get to be in charge.

I’m Michelle Henrichs, and I’m really glad you’re here. I’m currently wrapping up my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Concordia University, and I’m so grateful to be starting my second career. I currently hold a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and I worked as a teacher for several years. After stepping away from working outside the home to raise my kids and support my husband through his own career advancement, I feel very well-suited to work with teens, moms, and working professionals who are wanting to lead a more balanced life. My education combined with my life experiences allows me to quickly connect with clients because of my inherent ability to relate to others. Joining the team at Back to Balance Counseling has been nothing short of exceptional. I’ve been welcomed with such a generous amount of support and opportunities for growth.

In our fast-paced world where stress, anxiety, and constant comparison thrive, my person-centered approach forms the foundation of our therapeutic alliance. It’s so easy to get caught up in mindless scrolling throughout the day and begin to believe that you are doing everything wrong, and that others have it ALL figured out. We’re going to talk a lot about expectations, where they come from, and whether or not they are realistic. With a genuine commitment to understanding your unique experiences and perspectives, I provide a collaborative, conversational approach that lends itself to problem-solving.

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself why you’re doing some of the things that you’re doing?

I often hear clients say, “Because I’m supposed to.”

ACCORDING TO WHOM?!

Drawing inspiration from Adlerian principles, I’m here to help you live true to yourself by making sure your actions line up with what really matters to you. I empower you to live authentically by aligning your actions with your core values. Together, we’ll sort out societal expectations and uncover your genuine desires that often get overshadowed in the hustle of daily life.

By integrating components of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I work to equip you with practical tools to navigate challenges and reshape unhelpful thought patterns. CBT allows us to explore the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We all engage in negative thinking patterns, but there are more productive ways to respond to these thoughts. I will help you understand how to incorporate this into your daily life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps us accept our thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them, promoting a more open and adaptable approach to life. ACT emphasizes the importance of clarifying personal values and committing to behavior aligned with those values, fostering a richer and more meaningful life.

If you find yourself caught in the cycle of constant comparison, overcommitment, or the stress of an overly busy life, chances are that we would be a good fit. Together, we’ll work towards creating a life that not only meets external expectations but aligns with your internal values and aspirations. Life is too precious to be lived in perpetual overwhelm, and I’m here to support you in reclaiming the joy and balance you deserve.

Let’s connect!