In-Person in Fullerton, CA 92831
Online in California
I am a Drama Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who works with adults, children and families. I utilize a strengths-based, person-centered approach to talk therapy and drama therapy as I believe that people who are empowered have better access to choices they feel good about.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Children, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+, Persons with Disabilities clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Art Therapy Uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpture as a way to express emotions. It is especially helpful when words are hard to find.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Drama Therapy Uses role-play, storytelling, and theater techniques to explore problems and emotions. It helps people practice new ways of relating to others.
- Gestalt Therapy Encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. It helps people integrate different parts of themselves for wholeness.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Play Therapy Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions. It is especially useful when children can’t fully verbalize their feelings.
- Psychodrama A group therapy that uses role-play and dramatization to process emotions. It helps clients gain perspective and release tension.
- Sandplay Therapy Uses sand trays and miniature figures to allow symbolic expression. It is especially helpful for children and trauma survivors.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: In Drama Therapy, we believe that everyone plays many different roles in their life, and often that the more roles a person has the ability to play,
the healthier they are. People often seek out therapy because one or more of these roles aren't going well, and together we can find out what those seemingly unlovable parts of you are trying to say so that you can take charge of how you want things to "play out."
Education & Credentials
Abby Michel APCC, P-RDT
- Female
- License # APCC20780
- Licensed in CA
- Practicing Since 2023
Education: Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Drama Therapy (Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre Arts (Molloy University & CAP21 Conservatory in New York City)
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee 155
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Cost should not be a barrier to therapy. I offer care package options, sliding scale spots, and group therapy options to make access to drama therapy possible. I am here to work with you.
- Accepts Insurance
- Cameron, Ballenger & Associates accepts Aetna, Optum, and United Behavioral Health. We can also provide you with superbills if you have an out of network provider. Insurance is meant to be difficult, I am meant to help.
Abby Michel Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Fullerton, CA 92831
- Available Online for residents of California
Cameron, Ballenger & Associates
2246 North State College Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92831
abby@cba-therapy.com
619-432-5122
www.dramatherapyabby.com