Areas of Expertise
Hey there and welcome! My name is Mykel (they/them) and I am a current master’s student at Saint Joseph’s University, studying clinical mental health counseling. I am also working towards receiving a graduate certificate in addictions counseling from SJU. An integrative approach to counseling is what I’ve determined to be the most effective when working with clients as it allows me to tailor treatment to the individual that is as unique as they are. At this time, I am only providing telehealth services via Live Truthfully Counseling where I have the appropriate level of supervision to practice counseling.
That being said, I have a deep understanding that the teenage years can be a tumultuous time because of everything you’re trying to figure out such as navigating hormonal and bodily changes as well as the increased exploration in attraction. When looking at queer folks who come out later, it is said it can feel like a second adolescence as you’re trying to figure out life- yet again. Whether it is your gender identity or sexuality or both, whether you are out or not, just learning what you like and dislike, and even exploring this new found community.
I had a second adolescence when I came out in my early twenties. It was a tough flip from being a fierce ally to being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. My understanding of myself had changed and how I interacted with the world around me had changed. Everything felt vibrant to me once I stopped trying to be someone that I wasn’t. This time was crucial for me to build a support system who saw me for me and encouraged me to be myself. My first support in this new system was my therapist. With their support, I learned how to walk with my head held high and how to navigate disclosing my identities to others. I won’t say it was without bumps in the road, but I will say that they went over those bumps with me and taught me how to maneuver around these bumps if I could see them ahead.
I imagine that it could be overwhelming to think about. I also believe there’s a grief that comes with not living your truth from the beginning, and a desire to redo certain experiences as your authentic self. Amidst this mixed bag of feelings towards learning about your queer identity/identities, there is relief. Relief in knowing who you are and who you are not. Relief in discovering that how and what you feel are valid. Relief in finding the clarity that was missing in your life. I am here to explore this mixed bag of thoughts and feelings with you as well as bring you to this point of relief.
As a queer, BIPOC, neurospicy therapist, I want to be a companion for folks who are trying to figure themselves out. Self identification and self discovery can be intimidating things but they don’t have to be. I am passionate about exploring those queer related issues, but I am also able to help those working on building self esteem, managing stress, managing anxiety and/or depression, and processing trauma. I’d be honored to join you on your journey to wellness, no matter how long or short that journey may be.
