Michelle Schuyleman, MA, LMHC (WA), LPC (OR)

I provide individualized therapy for adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief. My practice has a particular focus on first responders and public safety professionals, along with individuals navigating work-related psychological injuries and other difficult life experiences. Washington & Oregon | In-person and Telehealth --- My Experience with First Responders 700+ Hours providing therapy to first responders ERPSCC Emergency Responder Public Safety Certification 40 hours Responder-focused certification coursework 16 hours Structured ride-along field experience Experience with First Responders My training and direct exposure to public safety environments have given me a practical understanding of: The demands of shift work and operational tempo Critical incident exposure and cumulative trauma Hypervigilance and the difficulty of transitioning from work to home Department culture and peer expectations Concerns about confidentiality within public safety communities The impact of first-responder work on spouses, partners, and families I believe effective therapy begins with understanding the world my clients come from. My goal is to provide a place where first responders can speak openly about their experiences without having to explain or defend the culture, demands, and realities of their profession. --- How I Help I use evidence-based and trauma-focused approaches, tailoring therapy to each client’s needs, goals, and experiences. My work commonly incorporates EMDR, EMDR 2.0, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). I work collaboratively with clients to identify what is getting in the way and determine which approaches may be most helpful. My clinical experience spans more than two decades and includes working with children, teens, and adults navigating trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and other difficult life experiences. My work with first responders and public safety professionals has become a particular focus of my practice. My involvement with Wild Grief over the past decade has also been an important part of my work, including clinical support, board leadership, hike leadership, training, fundraising, and public speaking in support of people experiencing grief and loss. EMDR & EMDR 2.0 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based approach to trauma treatment. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation while working with distressing memories, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations to help reduce the impact of traumatic experiences. I also incorporate EMDR 2.0, an enhanced approach that can be particularly useful when working with complex or distressing trauma memories. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) ART is a structured, eye movement-based approach that can help reduce the emotional intensity associated with difficult memories and experiences. It can be used to address trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, and other distressing experiences. I am an active member of the International Society of Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) CPT is a structured trauma-focused therapy that helps identify and work through "stuck points"—beliefs and interpretations that can develop following traumatic experiences and contribute to ongoing distress. CPT can be helpful in addressing PTSD, trauma-related guilt or shame, anxiety, and depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It provides practical tools for identifying unhelpful patterns and developing healthier ways of responding to stress, anxiety, and depression. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) DBT provides practical skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, improving relationships, and responding more effectively to stressful situations. I may incorporate DBT skills when they fit a client's needs and treatment goals. --- Working with L&I Claims I work with individuals navigating Washington State L&I claims. Occupational injury cases often involve complex documentation requirements, coordination with multiple providers, and additional stress related to the claim process. I understand these challenges and maintain a clinically focused approach while supporting necessary communication within the L&I system when needed. --- Professional Leadership & Affiliations * Board Member, Wild Grief (2017–present) * Vice President, Wild Grief (2021–2022) * President, Wild Grief (2022–present) * Member, International Society of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (2023–present) --- What to Expect Many of the people I work with are highly capable professionals who are accustomed to handling difficult situations on their own. Therapy provides a confidential, practical space to talk about experiences that don't always stay at work and to address the ways trauma and occupational stress can affect your life. My approach is active and individualized. We will work together to understand what is getting in the way of feeling and functioning the way you want to, identify your goals, and choose therapeutic approaches that fit your needs. This may include trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR, EMDR 2.0, ART, or CPT, along with practical skills from CBT and DBT. You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin therapy. We can start where you are and work together toward reducing the impact of trauma, improving your ability to manage stress, and helping you move forward in your personal and professional life.