Michelle Badger MA, LPC
I graduated from Minot State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Psychology. Michelle Badger then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Northern Colorado and graduated in 2001 with a Master’s degree in Community Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since that time, I have worked in a variety of counseling settings, including crisis centers, partial care programs, hospitals, and in-community counseling, and I currently serve the community as a counselor, coming alongside children, adults, couples, and families to help them heal from past traumas and work through current life challenges. I spent several years in the role of clinical director, overseeing supervisors and therapists who worked in the community with children and families. I received training from Karyn Purvis of Texas Christian University and was certified as a Trust-Based Relational Intervention practitioner, also known as TBRI, which is a trauma-informed care approach. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey and the State of Arizona.

As a professional counselor, I take an individualized and collaborative approach to therapy, recognizing that every client brings their own unique experiences, strengths, challenges, and goals to the counseling process. I draw from several evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Therapy, Trauma-Focused/Trauma-Informed approaches (TF-CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy, depending on the needs and goals of each client.

My approach is centered on helping clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I help clients identify patterns that may be contributing to distress and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding. Family Systems approaches allow us to explore the impact of relationships, family dynamics, and patterns of interaction on an individual’s emotional well-being. When working with individuals who have experienced trauma, I incorporate trauma-informed practices that emphasize safety, trust, empowerment, and sensitivity to each person’s unique experiences.

I also incorporate Solution-Focused techniques to help clients recognize their existing strengths, identify meaningful goals, and focus on practical steps toward positive change. Rather than focusing solely on problems, I believe it is important to help clients recognize the strengths and resources they already possess and build upon them.

My goal is to create a therapeutic relationship where clients feel respected, supported, and comfortable being honest about their experiences. I believe meaningful counseling begins with meeting people where they are and walking alongside them as they work toward greater understanding, healing, healthier relationships, and lasting growth.