About Michelle

Professional Affiliations

Active Member (2023)
Newsletter Editor (2022)
Past President (2021)
San Francisco Chapter, California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)

Adjunct Professor (2021)
Golden Gate University

Education

University of San Francisco
M.A., Counseling Psychology, 2011
Santa Clara University
B.A., Communications, 2005

Michelle Leao is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, who specializes in work with individuals, families, couples, and children experiencing challenges related to trauma and attachment.

After graduating from the University of San Francisco with her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, Michelle completed her licensure working with the underserved communities at Catholic Charities of San Francisco, families and children with foster care involvement at Alternative Family Services, and as a residential therapist at Edgewood Center for Children and Families. Michelle started her private practice in 2017.

Michelle uses a trauma-informed (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional), compassionate and direct approach and believes that change can best occur through healthy relationships, bringing our unconscious conscious, and feeling safe and secure within ourselves. Michelle’s therapeutic approach is Psychodynamic and Relational, and incorporates Jungian Psychology, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Attachment Theory.

Her practice focuses on treating children/adolescents, adults, couples, and families who are seeking support related to complex trauma, attachment, behavioral challenges, and addiction and recovery.