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

Who I Work With I specialize in providing trauma-focused therapy for first responders, public safety professionals, and injured workers navigating L&I claims related to PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other work-related psychological injuries. First responders and public safety professionals encounter situations that most people will never experience. Repeated exposure to critical incidents, cumulative trauma, high operational stress, and unpredictable schedules can take a significant toll—affecting sleep, relationships, job performance, and overall well-being. I also work with individuals from a wide range of professions whose workplace experiences have resulted in psychological injuries. Whether your symptoms developed after a single traumatic event or through years of cumulative occupational stress, treatment is tailored to your unique experiences and recovery goals. --- Throughout my career I have remained committed to ongoing professional development. In addition to meeting Washington State licensing requirements, I have completed well over 200 hours of continuing education in areas including trauma treatment, grief and loss, clinical ethics, depression, child and adolescent mental health, and specialized therapeutic modalities. This ongoing training allows me to continually refine my clinical skills and integrate current evidence-based practices into my work. --- Experience with First Responders I hold the Emergency Responder Public Safety Certification (2026), which includes: * 40 hours of responder-focused coursework * 16 hours of structured ride-along field experience * Professional recommendations from colleagues familiar with my clinical work I have provided more than 500 hours of therapy specifically to first responders and have completed field immersion with fire service personnel, law enforcement, and 911 dispatch. This training and field exposure provide a practical understanding of: * Operational tempo and shift work dynamics * Critical incident exposure and cumulative trauma * Hypervigilance and difficulty transitioning off duty * Department culture and peer expectations * Confidentiality concerns within public safety systems * The impact of the profession on spouses, partners, and families --- How I Help I use several evidence-based therapies that are effective for trauma, occupational stress, anxiety, depression, and performance-impacting symptoms. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR & EMDR 2.0) EMDR is a structured, research-supported therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer carry the same emotional and physiological intensity. While focusing briefly on distressing experiences, clients engage in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, which helps the nervous system resolve stored trauma responses. EMDR is highly effective for PTSD, critical incident stress, and cumulative trauma exposure. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Accelerated Resolution Therapy is an evidence-based eye movement therapy designed to resolve traumatic memories efficiently. Many clients experience significant relief in one to two sessions. ART can be effective for trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, substance use concerns, and phobias. I am an active member of the International Society of Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) CPT is a structured trauma treatment that helps identify and shift “stuck points” — beliefs that can develop after traumatic experiences and keep individuals feeling trapped in distressing interpretations about themselves, others, or the world. CPT is commonly used to treat trauma, moral injury, depression, and anxiety. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) DBT focuses on practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These tools can be particularly helpful for individuals managing intense emotional responses, relationship strain, or chronic stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT helps identify and reshape unhelpful thought patterns that influence mood, behavior, and decision-making. It is widely used to treat anxiety and depression and can be integrated into trauma-focused work. --- 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 is about providing a confidential, practical place to process the experiences that don't easily stay at work, reduce the impact of trauma, and help you regain the quality of life you deserve. ---