Michelle McGowan completed her Bachelor’s in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh and Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. After working with survivors of sex trafficking, domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, and youth affected by HIV/AIDS, she was inspired to pursue trauma therapy. In 2011, Michelle received her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University. She then remained in New York City working as a counselor for STEPS to End Family Violence, an agency serving survivors of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. After relocating to the US Virgin Islands to start a family, Michelle began working for The Department of Human Services. Here, she joined the Adult Protective Services Unit to investigate elder abuse and work with disabled adults in the Virgin Islands community. Michelle is passionate about helping people find healthy pathways to process hardships, trauma, and abuse. On this journey, she has learned the importance of the mind-body connection and is inspired to guide clients through a holistic approach to treatment. Michelle assists clients in coping with the physical symptoms of trauma such as panic attacks, insomnia, anxiety, disordered eating, substance abuse, irritability or outbursts of anger, flashbacks, self-injurious behaviors, and other natural reactions survivors’ experiences. Her goal is to create a support system and assist clients along their personal path towards physical and mental well-being.