Michele Villarreal, LMFT

Weathering The Seasons Of Life

Life often reflects the forecast—some days it’s stormy and unpredictable, while other days there’s nothing but sunshine on the horizon. At Four Seasons Counseling, I am invested in helping you figure out how to weather life’s ups and downs so that you can experience a healed, fulfilled existence. 

I work with individuals, couples, children, and families in navigating and processing difficult experiences. Though I have worked with a range of issues, I approach my practice from a trauma-informed lens. Whether you have developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), are a survivor of violence or abuse, or struggle to fully understand your mental health challenges, we will collaborate in therapy to create a tailored, focused treatment to help you thrive. 

“Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You” – Matthew 7:12 

The foundation of my therapeutic practice is a concept that has followed me throughout my life. As a counselor, I rely heavily on The Golden Rule with the belief that all of my clients deserve positive regard, compassion, and care. Taking a curious, empathetic approach to problematic or unhealthy patterns, I work with my clients to enhance their awareness of themselves and their relationships. By increasing their interpersonal and emotional skills, my clients experience fewer setbacks in their mental health. 

But The Golden Rule is not just essential to my practice—it’s an important aspect of my faith. I identify as a practicing Roman Catholic and thus have a Christian-based perspective that I am happy to incorporate in therapy with clients as they please. If faith is a priority, I will collaborate with you in a way that blends the therapeutic experience with Christian values. 

My Approach

Though therapy at Four Seasons Counseling is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, there are evidence-based, trauma-informed methods that will likely be used throughout our time together. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often regarded as the “gold standard” of treatment, allowing you to adjust your relationship with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When you can improve your mindset—especially as it relates to difficult transitions in life like loss, divorce, and career changes—you can progressively move away from the patterns keeping them stuck. 

In addition, I use the trauma-informed method of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with many of my clients. This revolutionary approach to therapy allows you to effectively process trauma and heal from past pains. EMDR resolves stored trauma at the body-based level so that you don’t just survive through adversity—you thrive. 

I am an active, curious listener who will gently challenge you to foster a deeper awareness and create meaningful change in your life. My focus on what’s happening right now can help you better understand the past as you devise a roadmap for the future. I am all about getting at the heart of the matter so that you can truly identify and overcome setbacks to optimal mental, relational, and emotional health. By supporting you in making progress toward your hopes and dreams, you can gain the strength and insight you need to achieve your goals. 


Take Steps Toward The Life You Want

Using my combination of trauma-informed techniques, my clients develop lifelong skills for maneuvering relationships, setting healthy boundaries, achieving physical and emotional safety, and navigating loss. I’ve worked closely with a wide range of traumas—including childhood abuse, PTSD, domestic violence, and postpartum/pregnancy-related issues—and can offer perspectives needed for a more satisfying, healed life. 

Through therapeutic treatment at Four Seasons Counseling, you, your child, your partner, and your family can experience growth in the following areas:

Readying Yourself For Change

Changing your circumstances and outlook can be hard—it takes commitment and willingness to do the work. But if you’re ready to get unstuck from counterproductive patterns, I will support you and teach you the skills you need to flourish. 

Goal Setting

Creating an action plan is an essential way to ensure your success in therapy. I will gently challenge you (and help you challenge yourself) so that you can step out of your comfort zone and onto the path of strategy, intention, and success.

Accountability

I am here to help reinforce important skills and keep you on track towards your goals. Self-improvement often involves deep emotional exploration and tough decisions, but I will champion your progress while helping you get in touch with yourself in an honest, productive way. 

Continuous Improvement

The work you do in counseling doesn’t stop when the session is over. Your goals, relationships, and life circumstances are bound to continually evolve as you grow. Yet, with the awareness, perspectives, and lifelong skills you gain in therapy, you can address future challenges with confidence and resilience. 

Let Me Help You Find Your Best Season

If you or your child are struggling to thrive, therapy at Four Seasons Counseling can help you identify core issues and develop a plan for change. For a complimentary, 20-minute consultation to find out more about my approach, call (916) 425 – 2692 or contact me. 

Michele Villarreal is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Sacramento, California. Through the lens of trauma, Michele helps individuals, couples, children, and families resolve unhealthy patterns and achieve optimal mental health. Catholic and Christian-based counseling is available upon request. 

Michele Villarreal, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #131287