Michele Welker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker  at our Wexford – VIP Drive clinic who provides therapy services in-person and via telehealth. She specializes in providing therapy to adults and older adolescents. Michele has over a decade of experience in a variety of mental health settings, including community mental health agencies, domestic violence and sexual assault centers, as well as a university counseling center. Her experiences have taught her to uncover the strengths that lie within each person. Despite what challenges they have faced in the past and in the present, it’s important to work with strengths to build the life they seek.

Michele’s therapeutic approach is culturally-aware and relationally-based; meaning, she believes a therapeutic relationship based on safety and trust is paramount to be effective. She utilizes techniques from a variety of approaches, such as cognitive processing therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and mindfulness-based approaches. Michele incorporates an existential approach plus examines how systems impact individuals and the various identities that they may hold. Michele is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, which she can utilize to assist clients who have experienced traumatic life events. Michele works from a strengths-based perspective to collaboratively help her clients understand themselves with self-compassion and discover how to attain their goals effectively. Her clinical experience includes working with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma, women’s health issues, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, relationship challenges, and navigating life transitions. Michele cherishes diversity and is honored to work with individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or whom are neurodiverse.

Originally from Ohio, Michele has resided in Pittsburgh for 15 years with her two college-aged children. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Gender Studies from Ohio University and her master’s degree in Social Work from Ohio State University. Michele is an avid (rescue) dog lover, and enjoys hiking and camping in nature as well as quiet days spent reading and baking.