Michelle Topal, MSW, LCSW
Experienced Therapist Caring for Teens, Adults, Relationships, Families & LGBTQ+ Community
You may be wondering…Can counseling help?
– Are you questioning what your feelings mean or how to move forward?
– Do you feel like you need to talk with someone who understands your unique needs?
– Is life just feeling too hard, and you feel stuck & unsure what to do to make things better for yourself, your child, your relationship and/or your family?
– Are you feeling alone & disconnected & finding your most important relationships difficult?
Here’s how I can help…
– Because I know starting a new relationship, especially with a therapist, can be daunting, you will find me humorous, relaxed, a little goofy sometimes and keenly aware of not “leaving you hanging” in long awkward silences. I am also not the kind of therapist who responds with mostly nodding, staring at you and saying “uh hmm”. Though I can nod and say affirmative “uh hmms” with the best of them, I want it to be as conversational as you want and need it to be. I do this because I want it to be an informal, safe & nurturing space where you can let your guard down and feel at ease and accepted.
– While I use a lot of what are called “evidence based” approaches, I see people as individuals, not a diagnosis, so you won’t find me fitting you into a clinical program or a rigid approach I do to you. I approach people’s explorations, with curiosity, flexibility, adaptability, and humor, and will help you to do the same. Clinical modalities are important as a framework for understanding, but, I believe that in the relationship with a therapist, it is the feeling of being heard and understood that helps people find ways to make their lives better.
– So, come join me from the comfort of your home with your cat, dog, a cup of coffee, or whatever else makes you feel comfortable. It’s your time to share the things that are most important and meaningful to you.
You can schedule your first appointment here or reach out to me at [email protected] or 910-668-6445. Getting started is just that easy.
PLEASE NOTE: Some Limited IN PERSON sessions in Raleigh available. Most sessions conducted virtually through secure video. Serving North Carolina.
Some of My Services
- Address the Many Unique Stressors They are Confronting in These Challenging Times & Helping and Supporting Parents to Better Understand Their’s and Their Child’s Needs
- Family Therapy & Parenting Support to Help Understand Each Other Better & Improve the Relationships
- A Non-Pathologizing Approach to Working with People Who Are Autistic, Have ADHD or Are Neurodivergent
- Parenting Support for Single Parents & Co-Parenting Exs to Help with Effective Communication & Parenting Conflict
- Family Therapy Using Many Different Approaches to Help Families Make Sense of What is Going on & What to Do About it
- Helping Adults & Teens Explore Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Coming Out
- Family Therapy to Support Those with Family Members who are Coming Out and/or in the Gender Affirmation Process
- Gender Affirming Support & Care Specific to Transgender & Gender Diverse (TGD) Adults & Teens to Help Them Explore Who They are & What They Want in Their Lives
- Counseling for All Different Types of Relationships & Relationship Issues
- Couples Counseling to Help with Effective Communication, Connection, Bonding & Intimacy
- Practical Approaches to Areas & Issues of Ongoing Conflict to Get Unstuck
- Understanding the Unique Needs of Queer Couples & Poly/Non-Monogamous (CNM) Relationships, including Effective Communication, Boundaries, Connection & Intimacy
Or you can schedule your virtual video or in person counseling psychotherapy appointment, by clicking on schedule appointment below.
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