Psychologist Chapel Hill N.C. - Telehealth

Psychologist Chapel Hill N.C. – Telehealth

Recent developments in the COVID-19 pandemic have motivated me to transition to an entirely virtual practice. I believe firmly that social distancing is the safest and most ethical way to ensure the well-being for everyone and protect my clients.

I use a HIPAA-compliant platform that can be accessed by phone, iPad, or computer. No set-up needed; you simply click a link sent to you prior to the session.
While the same rules of confidentiality for in-person sessions apply to virtual or phone sessions, there are some unique aspects to consider:
– Use a private Wi-Fi connection with high speed internet.
– Make sure you are in a private space so that you can ensure your privacy.
– Please be present and ready by your device at the scheduled appointment time.

Research has shown that teletherapy is equivalent in effectiveness to in-person therapy. Thanks to recent technology improvements, the differences between the experience of a video session and a face-to-face session are negligible.

Psychologist Chapel Hill N.C. – Telehealth

If you are committed to improving, you will do well regardless of whether the sessions with your therapist are held in person or remotely.

Most individuals report that they find teletherapy to be as effective as an in-person office visit. Added benefits include that you will not have to spend time commuting to my office and the lack of school and available child-care will not prevent being able to attend regular therapy sessions.

Psychologist Chapel Hill N.C. – Telehealth is an excellent option to ensure you get the help you need even during a pandemic where we need to socially distance to maintain safety. Too often, putting off treatment creates more problems. Fortunately, teletherapy is now widely available.

I am a doctoral-level licensed psychologist in North Carolina; I have expertise in various evidence-based treatments for adults and am committed to providing scientifically validated interventions. I work with a diverse population, including trauma, insomnia, mood disorders, anxiety, and relationship problems. I take my work and clinical specializations seriously and continue to devote a considerable amount of time and effort to advance my training and professional development. For your convenience, my services are provided via telehealth.

Dr. Sara Michelson
Licensed Psychologist Chapel Hill N.C.

I am a psychologist trained in evidence-based treatments.

I have particular expertise in treating psychological trauma and PTSD. I have been certified by the National Center for PTSD as a provider for Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) and Cognitive-Processing Therapy (CPT), both evidenced-based treatments to help reduce the symptoms of PTSD.

I also treat insomnia and sleep problems, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, mood disorders, relationship problems, anger, and other stressful life transitions. I have completed specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), mindfulness, anger therapy, and behavioral activation for depression (BA).

I graduated with a B.A. in psychology and comparative literature from the University of Copenhagen and a Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. I have received training in cognitive behavioral therapies at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. My doctoral research focused on the effects of childhood trauma on later personality development. I completed my predoctoral internship at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System and a post-doctoral fellowship at Yale University where I specialized in working with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Since completing my graduate training, I have worked in private practice, VA hospitals, the Center for Deployment Psychology, and with public safety and law enforcement agencies in Illinois and Psychologist Chapel Hill N.C. where I have conducted pre-employment screenings, crisis evaluations, and fitness for duty evaluations.

CBT typically helps individuals address anxiety, depression, relationship problems, etc. by teaching new skills and ways of coping. For example, someone with social anxiety may work to improve the skill of tolerating being in anxiety-inducing social situations. Someone who is prone to extreme worry may work on the skill of talking themselves through their anxiety. Someone with depression may try to improve their ability to engage in behavioral activation. Research has shown that improvements of these skills, can help to alleviate significantly psychological distress.

What are some of the strategies used in CBT?

In CBT, the focus is on thoughts and behavior. Some of the strategies used include:
• Identifying problematic thoughts and thought patterns that are keeping you stuck
• Changing your relationship to the problematic thoughts by accepting their presence and challenging their accuracy
• Developing balanced alternative views to initial interpretations of events
• Learning new problem-solving and emotion regulation skills
• Building motivation and ability to engage in productive and meaningful behavior through exercises