Michelle Dean

About me: I offer support and insight for dealing with life's struggles and assisting in turning challenges into growth opportunities. Since 1996, I have helped individuals who struggle with addictions, eating disorders, relationship issues, and traumatic experiences. Whether you work individually, as a couple or family, or in one of my ongoing groups, you have the support and encouragement you deserve. Therapy is about finding the support to help you bridge where you are now and the ability to take the steps you need to become the person you want to become. I provide a safe, confidential, environment in which all types of personal concerns may be explored. We will make sure we are the right "fit" for your journey as a therapeutic relationship is crucial for success. I have an interactive style that is compassionate and reflective, giving you the support and the motivation you need. I think of my role as a sherpa, or guide, to help you get to where you want to go in your life and become the person you seek to be. Although no two journeys are the same, having been through my own hardships and experiences and gaining extensive professional experience, I understand what it takes to thrive and can help you too. Professional Bio: Michelle L. Dean, MA, ATR-BC, LPC (AL & PA), CGP, PAATA HLM is a Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama and Pennsylvania, and a Certified Group Psychotherapist in the United States of America. She is currently enrolled in Widener University’s post-graduate Sex Therapy Certificate Program. In her nearly 30 years of clinical work, she has expertise in treating individuals who struggle with addictions, eating disorders, relationship issues, self-injurious behaviors, and traumatic experiences, including sexual violence. She currently works at A Center for Eating Disorders (ACED) in Birmingham Alabama as a primary therapist and an art therapist. Some of her prior work experience included her positions at The Renfrew Center in Philadelphia as the Art Therapy and Trauma Track Coordinator and as an outpatient therapist at the Delaware County Women Against Rape and Crime Victims Services in Pennsylvania. In addition to her private practice, she co-founded and directed The Center for Psyche & the Arts, LLC, where she helped individuals, families, and groups, as well as facilitated supervision and continuing education and wellness programs for clinicians and the public as an NBCC Continuing Education Provider (ACEP). As an educator, she was the Director of the graduate and undergraduate Art Therapy Programs at Cedar Crest College, the undergraduate Art Therapy Director at The University of the Arts, and has been an invited adjunct professor and guest lecturer at several universities, including Marywood University, St. Joseph University, and Arcadia University. Additionally, she is an internationally recognized educator and invited keynote speaker. She has provided educational programs for clinicians locally and from around the globe, including the UK and China.