Michelle Topal, MSW, LCSW
Experienced Therapist Caring for Teens, Adults, Relationships, Families & LGBTQ+ Community
You may be wondering…Will counseling help?
– Are you questioning what your feelings mean or how to move forward, especially when the world seems so hostile?
– Do you feel like being who you are is under attack and you’re tired of feeling on guard?
– Has being a person who is LGBTQ+ become a struggle in a way that is sometimes overwhelming, but you don’t want to burden the people in your life?
– Have you found yourself feeling alone, disconnected and your most important relationships difficult, and maybe ready to get support?
– Are you thinking it might be time to talk with someone who gets what it’s like without judgement, and who you can count on to not disappear because I’m not part of one of those huge national online Telehealth businesses?
Here’s how I can help…
But coming to a therapist may also be the last thing you want to be doing. . . After all, things are hard enough, and sometimes it’s easier to hope your feelings will just go away or you’ll find a way to feel better about them on your own! I get that! But if things are not getting better and you’re tired of lugging around the same old crap, maybe it’s time to do something different. I’m a no B.S. therapist who is a fierce advocate, encouraging coach, understanding and inquisitive listener, and someone who is creatively and comfortably able to bring the outside stuff in and the inside stuff out. I have worked in my own practice for almost 20 years; reliably showing up for people and committed to providing support for the long run. Let me give you a space to safely express and explore your feelings, so you can be strong enough to weather the storm.
– Because I know starting a new relationship, especially with a therapist, can be anxiety-provoking, 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 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.
More Detail About What I Offer

- Address the Many Unique Stressors They are Confronting in These Challenging Times & Helping & Supporting Parents to Better Understand Their’s & 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, 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 Folx Explore Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Coming Out
- Family Therapy to Support Those with Family Members who are Coming Out and/or are Exploring Gender
- Care Specific to Those who are Transgender & Gender Diverse (TGD) 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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