Michaela Stam (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the Virginia Board of Social Work who earned her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University.

In my work with clients, I help them to identify, understand, express, and manage their emotions; build distress tolerance; gain insight into personal experiences and patterns; and challenge beliefs and behaviors that may no longer serve them. I also support clients in safely processing trauma, exploring their identity and values, and developing a deeper understanding of themselves as they move toward healing and personal growth. A typical session with me feels like an accepting and safe space for big and scary emotions, but also a space for playfulness, humor, and exploration.

I have clinical experience supporting individuals navigating childhood trauma and abuse, sexual trauma, grief, risk-taking behaviors, anger, autism, ADHD, domestic violence, poverty and food insecurity, and family conflict. I have worked with and understand the experiences of clients leaving high control religions and religious groups. My professional and personal experiences have also shaped my understanding of disability, whether developmental, physical or complex medical needs, and includes the experiences of family members who support those with disability. Through extended time abroad working with children and young adults with disabilities in South Asian cultures, I developed a broader appreciation for cultural differences and the importance of culturally responsive care. I have in depth understanding of family and childhood trauma, systemic barriers, and the complex ways these experiences can shape identity, relationships, and emotional well-being. These perspectives allow me to approach clients with empathy and curiosity while recognizing the broader family, cultural, and environmental contexts that influence their experiences and support their healing.

My therapeutic approach is informed by EMDR and EMI concepts, attachment theory, family systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and ecological and systemic models. I draw from these frameworks to understand each client’s unique experiences, relationships, and environment while tailoring treatment to their individual needs and goals.

Safety is key to me in the therapeutic space. I am careful about developing rapport, providing choice and informed consent, and directly confronting issues of racism, homophobia, and other systems of oppression as they pertain to my client and the therapy space. My client’s self-exploration and discovery is important to me. I often use questions, warmth, and curiosity rather than labeling or directing the client. My clients would describe me as: gentle, approachable, welcoming, curious, thoughtful, challenging, playful. 

I love doing this work because it is an honor to walk alongside folks as they go through or process through some of the darkest moments in life. It is important to me that folks know they are not alone and that healing and restoration is possible.