You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.
- Brené Brown
In-person (North Location), Telehealth
Adults, Couples, Family
Offers in-person sessions on Tuesdays at our North location near the Arboretum
Michelle Overman, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Professional Profile
Michelle is licensed by the state of Texas as a Marriage and Family Therapist (2016). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from Abilene Christian University (2011) and a Master of Marriage
and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University (2013). She is a Clinical Member of the American
Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Michelle
became a Certified Mental Performance Consultant in 2020 to aid in her work with athletes and high- risk occupations including military personnel, police officers, and firefighters.
Michelle spent over 3 years working with athletes and coaches at Abilene Christian University. Her experience with athletic teams included team building and performance related concerns which can be expanded beyond the world of sports. Along with her experience in sports psychology, she has extensive work with young adult issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. Beyond her experience gained from her work at ACU, Michelle enjoys working with couples, families with teenagers, and LGBT individuals in private practice.
In addition to her work as a therapist, Michelle loves spending as much time as she can with her husband, Grant, and their sons, Zachary and Henry. She also enjoys writing, sports, the outdoors, and obstacle course racing.
Specialties
Anxiety
Attachment
Caregivers
Codependency
Depression
Grief Loss
LGBTQ Transitions
Mood
OCD
PTSD
Panic
Parenting
Perfectionism
Relationship
Self Esteem
Stress
Trauma
Insurance
Aetna, Oscar, Optum, Oxford, Sana, United, Private Pay / Self Pay
Welcome
Taking the first step can be the most difficult and intimidating part. The good news is you are recognizing and being mindful of your own experience and what you might need. A step towards taking care of yourself in a healthy and meaningful way is a great one.
Therapy can be a safe space to grow in self-awareness, gain insight into the meaning behind your feelings and experiences, and become more open to creating long lasting, sustainable change.
How I Work
I consider it an honor and a privilege to be let in to your personal story. I often tell my clients that people need to earn your vulnerability which includes me as well. I work to provide a safe and non- judgmental atmosphere to hopefully allow you to open up and be yourself completely. You know your life better than anyone else, so your insights, ideas, and perspectives are highly valuable to me. Together, we can partner to work towards your therapy goals.
I truly believe everyone has innate strengths and resources which we can work to tap into throughout therapy. We can utilize those parts of yourself to help you find balance in your life and become the healthiest and most mindful version of yourself you can be.
Mindfulness is an integral part of my life. Without it, I wouldn't be able to understand what I'm feeling/experiencing and why.
Therapist Spotlight
What made you decide to become a counselor?
I have a passion for helping people. I also want people to see that they have value and find the qualities within that make them unique and thrive. I want to be a person who can model what positive connection and belonging looks like.
If you could teach the world one skill or technique to improve their lives, what would it be?
It would have to be the power of self-awareness. It may be painful at times to be self-aware but mindfulness gives people the power to be healthy, reach goals, and move towards change. It can be a major game changer!
Have you personally been in counseling and if so, what did you learn about yourself?
Yes! I have learned the importance of differentiation. I can't be responsible for the emotional well-being of everyone else. It's better for me and others if I do a better job separating those things. All I can do is take care of me and cultivate a better balance and mindful center.
If you could recommend one book to all your clients, what would it be?
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Who is your ideal client?
I love people who are open even if it's difficult and unpleasant. I enjoy the partnership aspect of therapy.
What inspires you to help others?
I'm inspired by people who are doing amazing things in their communities. I love watching people make a difference in the world and feel energized by their efforts. It makes me want to do the same and hopefully make a positive impact on the lives of others.
How do you personally practice self-care?
I enjoy exercising, being outdoors, and spending time with my family. I also try to be more mindful of my feelings and what I'm experiencing, and it helps to talk about it with those closest to me.
If you are hosting a dinner party, who are the 3 people you would invite and why?
Simone Biles: I would love talking to a world class athlete and hearing of her experience as one of the best athletes to ever compete. I also have appreciated her vulnerability as she has opened up about mental health. It makes her even more inspiring to me.
The Fab 5 from Queer Eye: I admire the way they care about people. They show a love and acceptance that is so needed in the world. All of them bring something to the table every time they help someone. I love the way they help people feel seen and learn to love themselves. * Technically, I know that's 6 people so I won't add anymore!
How do you relate to mindfulness? How do you incorporate it in your sessions?
Mindfulness is an integral part of my life. Without it, I wouldn't be able to understand what I'm feeling/experiencing and why. I use it in therapy by helping people bring awareness to different parts of themselves. We all have different parts of us that make up our whole being (i.e. confident part, anxious part, hurt part, etc.). Having awareness of those parts of ourselves helps us access our own strengths but also leads us to understanding what those parts need (i.e. love, acceptance, safety, etc.). When clients have an awareness and understanding of themselves, it can empower them moving forward.