About Michelle
“People start to heal the moment they feel heard.”
Michelle Burke is a certified sex therapist and licensed professional counselor, offering both in-person and virtual counseling services throughout Virginia. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Buffalo, Michelle went on to get her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY College at Brockport. Soon after, she became certified as a sex therapist through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
“Our Greatest Weakness Lies In Giving Up. The Most Certain Way To Succeed Is Always To Try Just One More Time.”
My passion for counseling and helping couples stems all the way back to childhood. My parents ended their marriage when I was young, and I had to adjust to living in a blended family alongside managing the mental health issues that resulted from my parents’ divorce.
My perception, empathy, and understanding developed from those early experiences and with the help of a counselor, I was able to gain the skills and perspectives I needed to heal. As I grew, I discovered a life-affirming passion for engaging with diverse communities, and I worked in professions that exposed me to individuals ranging in age, gender, background, and life situations.
Eventually, I decided to combine my personal and professional experiences—including my own journey in therapy—to pursue a career as a counselor.
My Specialty
I have always had a knack for helping people navigate their relationships. And I noticed that most counselors overlook or avoid sexual issues due to lack of comfortability and/or knowledge. Common obstacles include sexual dysfunction, desire discrepancy, relationship conflict, physical issues with arousal and orgasm, performance anxiety, kinks and fantasies, porn use, and sexual impulsivity. Certain life transitions can also impede sexual satisfaction, such as sex during pregnancy and after birth, menopause, identity exploration, and instances of sexual trauma or abuse.
It's essential to address each individual’s sexual concerns holistically. In other words, sexual issues shouldn’t be looked at as independent of someone’s background, physiology, and mental health but rather as an integral part of the whole person. The more I was able to fully recognize just how essential intimacy is in understanding each individual and their relationship(s), the more I felt called to pursue a specialization in sex therapy.
My Approach
Being a sex therapist does not mean that every conversation in counseling revolves around the act of sex. Rather, I aim to create a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic atmosphere where any topic is welcomed. Using psychoeducation, I help my clients to dispel myths and misconceptions. And as I learn more about presenting issues and goals for therapy, I will individualize the therapeutic process and shape my approach based on my clients’ needs.
I am deeply invested in my clients’ well-being, and my goal as a counselor is to offer authentic empathy and guidance so that they can find the help—and hope—they need. Beyond offering person-centered counseling at my practice, I am likely to include materials and outside work—such as books, articles, worksheets, and exercises—specific to each individual’s presenting concerns. I’ve often heard from those who have tried therapy in the past that my unique and tailored approach provides them with essential perspective and clarity that may have been missing before.
Not to mention, I am one of few American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)-trained clinicians in and around the Richmond area. Elm Tree Counseling is unique for this reason and also because my office is situated in the relaxing and restorative natural environment of Powhatan.
Cultivating A Peaceful, Balanced Life
Although I moved to Virginia from New York in 2016, I remain involved in my hometown community. Currently, I’m serving on a board for a nonprofit startup that helps at-risk youth stay on track for college. Here in town, I am on the local library board and involved in giving presentations to local parents, hospitals, and women’s groups. When I have extra time available in my schedule, I love to volunteer and connect prospective college students with internships and resources to help them succeed.
Outside of work, quality time with my family is very important. I strive to carve out memorable experiences for my husband and our son. I am also very passionate about gardening as I learn more and more about growing and preparing sustainable, healthy foods.
Nature has always been a peaceful, healing place for me. When I’m not in the garden, I’m usually outside with our animals (including the chickens!) or enjoying another hobby such as painting, restoring furniture, and house projects.
Let’s Find Out If We’re A Good Fit
As a clinician, I am committed to learning and growing beyond baseline requirements to be the most informed and up-to-date sex therapist possible. At Elm Tree Counseling, I will welcome you into an empathetic atmosphere where you can explore your emotions and experiences with a counselor who’s truly invested in your well-being.
Contact me to schedule a free consultation or to find out more about how I can help.