Michelle Hunt-Graham - MA, LMFT-CDWF
Individuals, Couples, Families, and Groups

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for helping people find their path to well-being. I draw on my life experiences and on knowledge gained from being certified in Narrative Therapy, The Daring Way™, Life Coaching, Brainspotting Certification, and Polyvagal Theory. My hope is to hold space for you to create the life and relationships you want. I consult with individuals of all ages, couples, families, and groups in accessing resources and ideas that may not be fully considered in the hope that they might provide new possibilities and ways to address the concerns that bring people to therapy.

Although I am trained in a number of therapeutic approaches, all of these are layered with the Polyvagal Theory. The Polyvagal Theory is the science of the nervous system and its constant effort to keep us safe. The Polyvagal Theory details how our Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) moves between three states: Safe & Social, Flight / Fight or Shutdown in response to cues of safety or danger. Depending on the state of the ANS, adaptive behaviors (things that we believe keep us safe) and narratives change.

As a Certified Brainspotting practitioner I am able to help clients process past negative experiences / traumas that invite ANS state changes, affect vagal tone, and generate problematic narratives. Brainspotting works deeply in the brain and body by directly accessing the autonomic and limbic systems within the body’s central nervous system. Brainspotting is a physiological tool/treatment which has profound psychological, emotional, and physical affects.

I am also a Certified Facilitator of The Daring Way™. This is a highly experiential methodology based on the connection and shame research of Dr. Brené Brown. That involves exploring topics such as vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness. It invites examining the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (and ANS states / vagal tone) that are holding us back. The primary focus is on developing shame-resilience skills and developing daily practices that transform the way we live, love, parent, and lead.

Education & Certification:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, MN Board of MFT
Brainspotting Certification NY, NY
Master of Arts, Counseling Psychotherapy, Adler Graduate School, MN
Life Coaching Certification, Adler Graduate School, MN
Bachelor of Science, Business, University of Minnesota