I opened Blue Monkey Counseling, PLLC in 2020 after surviving two crippling personal losses and deciding that I could do more than survive. I made a conscious choice to dedicate my life to not only help others face the pain of a traumatic past but to also build a community of survivors to give one another strength and acceptance.
I treat from a trauma-informed perspective which means that I believe in asking “what happened to you” as opposed to “what is wrong with you”. Understanding the impact that trauma has on the mind and body allows us to more effectively shift perspectives and change behaviors.
My clinical experience comes from treating those recovering from substance use disorder, domestic violence, sexual assault, PTSD, and mental illness. I currently accept adult clients and use a person-centered approach based in Acceptance and Commitment, Cognitive Behavioral, DBT, and Narrative Therapies.
After graduating with full honors from Wake Forest University with Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling I both worked and volunteered in community agencies and Universities as an advocate for victims of interpersonal violence. In 2019, I decided to make the switch to private practice and am now working at the Associate level to pursue full licensure as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCHMC) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS). I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
I am a Raleigh native still living in the area with my husband, 2 teenagers, and 3 cats. This may explain my dependence on a good sense of humor and belief that we are never fully grown or fully educated!
Michelle Laster, MSW, LCSW-A, LCAS-A, is a graduate of East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, North Carolina, She is currently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Baltimore Maryland School of Pharmacy studying Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics. She is also in the application phase to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.
As a junior researcher, Michelle has focused her interests on the efficacy of psychopharmacological solutions to mental health problems through psychotherapy. She is also an advocate for the legalization or class reduction of psychedelic substances for medical purposes. Currently, Michelle is completing the MDMA Therapy Training Program through the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).
Michelle was awarded the CSWE Minority Fellowship as a social work graduate student. She also maintains her memberships with the National Association of Social Workers, Society of Cannabis Clinicians, and Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, among others.
Michelle currently resides in Greenville, NC with her family.
At this time she is available for virtual individual sessions but is adding services so please stay tuned!
Blue Monkey Counseling, PLLC
6521 Creedmoor Road Ste 206, Raleigh, North Carolina 27613, United States
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