About Michaela
My name is Michaela Petz (pronounced Ma-Ky-La) and I am a Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Child Mental Health Specialist and an approved clinical supervisor.
My educational and professional experiences are centered in social work and child and family mental health. I grew up in Eastern Washington with a devotion to supporting the overall development of children. I obtained a Master of Social Work degree from Arizona State University in a program focused on psychology and child and family mental health practice. I have gained experience with youth in the educational, medical, chemical dependency, judicial, in-patient and out-patient treatment systems. I also have extensive training in the treatment of child and adolescent trauma survivors through the following programs:
Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
Washington State Mental Health Division and Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress
Somatic Transformation (body-centered practices)
Upon moving to Bellingham in 2005, I worked as a child mental health counselor in community mental health agencies. In 2008, I opened my private counseling practice serving children ages 3-18 as well as young adults and families. Currently, I provide mental health assessments and facilitate individual therapy, family therapy, parenting coaching and clinical supervison.
I work with individuals from a strengths-based, holistic perspective. I strongly believes that all individuals are capable of making positive life changes with collaboration from supports. As a result, caregivers and relevant professionals involved in each client’s care may and often are included in the treatment process. Research-based treatment approaches are applied to educate about mental health issues and strategies to address emotional and behavioral concerns. Treatment includes building on current problem-solving skills and practicing new strategies to improve overall functioning.
Location
1329 N State Street, Suite 209
Bellingham, WA 98225
