Creative Healing

I'm Michaela McLaughlin and I help teens who feel like their emotions are too big, too heavy, or too painful to handle, helping them build coping skills and hope for the future.

Credentials and Expertise

I am currently pursuing my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Immaculata University and completing my internship at Creative Healing, where I will receive intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and learning Creative Healing’s signature approach for supporting teens and families.

My clinical foundation in mental health counseling is strengthened by hands-on experience as a grief counselor, where I facilitate groups for children and teens in schools. I am also a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society. Beyond formal credentials, my lived experience with anxiety, shame, grief, and fear allows me to show up for clients with deep empathy and authenticity.

Guiding Teens Through Grief, Trauma, and Self-Harm

My work as a grief counselor, behavioral health technician, wellness specialist, and peer mentor has given me extensive experience supporting teens, young adults, and parents. I’ve facilitated grief groups in schools, created body-acceptance and self-esteem programs, and developed wellness initiatives to promote mental health.

These experiences, combined with my clinical training, sharpen my ability to create safe, authentic spaces where clients feel seen, respected, and supported. I have a special interest in trauma, self-harm, and OCD, and I am passionate about helping teens feel understood and taken seriously.

Creative Approaches for Self-Compassion & Family Connections

I believe therapy is not about perfection; it’s about creating space to pause, breathe, cry, laugh, and simply exist. My approach is creative and collaborative, blending evidence-based interventions with tools that make therapy approachable and effective. My goal is to empower teens and families to find coping strategies that stick and relationships that feel healthier and more connected.

Beyond the Therapy Room

When I’m not working with clients (or studying), I recharge through painting, singing, dancing, reading, baking cookies, watching TV, and enjoying movie nights with friends. Creativity fuels me both inside and outside the therapy space.

Take the First Step Towards Healing

Therapy is a place where you don’t have to go through life’s hardest parts alone. Together, we’ll work toward healing, resilience, and hope for a brighter future. Individual appointments are available at the rate of $30 per session. As a graduate student, I work under the supervision of Samantha Crean, LPC.