
Michelle MacPherson L.C.S.W, Psychotherapist
Serving California and North Carolina residents
Valued Directions is led by a compassionate therapist with over 20 years of experience in helping adults navigate life's most difficult transitions. Whether you're struggling with depression, relationship challenges, or simply feeling "stuck," we are here to help you restore balance and move toward a life of fulfillment in accordance with your valued directions.
Our Services

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
A.C.T. accepts that difficult emotions are an inevitable part of our lives, and that we can learn to adapt to difficult emotions without avoiding or suppressing them. In using this therapy, I help my clients make choices that are aligned with their values, rather than their emotions and help develop psychological flexibility, which can help them live more meaningful lives
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Many clients find this therapeutic approach the most helpful when learning to develop coping mechanisms for difficult and stressful life situations. By focusing on the skills of distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness, clients can begin to feel more in control of their day to day responses to stressors.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
C.B.T. is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing one can help improve the others. It's a practical, goal-oriented approach that helps my clients and I focus on changing negative and unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can lead to significant improvements in mood, anxiety levels, and overall mental well-being.
Our Services

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Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Many clients seek treatment during periods where they feel "stuck". This therapy is a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach, which helps clients by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems. In the most basic sense, SFBT is a hope friendly, positive emotion eliciting, future-oriented vehicle for formulating, motivating, achieving, and sustaining desired behavioral change. It helps us get "unstuck"!
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Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment with curiosity, non-judgment, and acceptance. It encompasses being aware of one's thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings without getting caught up in them.
Benefits include:
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Promotes focus and concentration
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Cultivates compassion and gratitude
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Increases resilience and coping skills
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Reduces stress and anxiety
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Improves emotional regulation
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Enhances self-awareness
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Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
(REBT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, focuses on helping individuals identify and challenge irrational beliefs and thought patterns that lead to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors, promoting more rational and healthy thinking and behaviors.
REBT can be helpful for individuals struggling with:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Anger management issues
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Addictions
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Phobias
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Procrastination
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Low self-esteem
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Relationship problems
Client Stories
"Valued Directions has been instrumental in my journey towards self-discovery and healing. This is my first time doing therapy. I was very nervous but this has been a beautiful experience. Michelle is kind, attentive and has a very calming demeanor.."
Sara H.
"I am thankful for the invaluable support and guidance from Valued Directions during a challenging phase in my life. Michelle has been amazing to work with. She's exactly what I needed to help me during this time in my life."
James T.
"The therapy sessions at Valued Directions have provided me with a secure space to explore my thoughts and emotions. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking mental well-being."
Emily L.