Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Great to Meet You!

Michelle Bayha is a Licensed Social Worker who graduated with Master of Social Work degree from Monmouth University. She also graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Family and Child Studies and had minors in Psychology and Sociology from Montclair State University. Michelle is a published poet in Torrid Literature Journal and enjoys photography as well as being an animal lover especially dogs, horses, and wolves. Michelle has experience working as an Activities Assistant with older adults in the memory care unit at an assisted living facility. Also, she had various internship experiences such as: working in a hospital in an inpatient behavioral health setting, intensive outpatient program at a substance abuse treatment facility, and a partial care program for adults who experience mental health challenges and/or other disabilities. Other job positions she had included working with individuals who have disabilities and providing therapeutic services to seniors in their homes. Michelle enjoys working with the adult population and listening to their stories to learn more about them and assist in their healing process. Also, she has a strong interest in learning about cultural diversity and how to be an advocate for social justice.

A bit about my approach to therapy

Michelle utilizes creative modalities in therapy sessions such as art, music, & journal prompts as well as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Clients who enjoy art, music, photography, and writing can integrate their hobbies to build on coping techniques and work toward a path of healing. Messages that she desires to convey to her future clients are that they are not truly alone, to never give up hope, and to be reassured that she will become a part of the client’s professional support system.

What you can expect from our first session

In the first session, Michelle will be inquisitive and detail oriented to learn more about the client. The client-therapist relationship is where the foundation begins. A professional relationship includes two people that work together on a specific goal to make progress. Making changes may look different for each client, but is an important part of the therapeutic process. Starting with an open mind to different paths of healing is important for the client. Focal points for questions in the first session include demographics, education, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, relationship preferences, and the presenting problem that brings the client to therapy. Also, strengths and hobbies of the client will be asked as well. After the first session, a treatment plan will be formulated which is a written plan with goals and specific ways to begin the journey toward healing.