As a critical thinker, fiercely independent, and endlessly curious individual who grew up off-grid in the Sierra Nevadas—without running water or electricity—Dr. Michaela developed a deep resilience, resourcefulness, and a unique perspective on human character. That upbringing provided a front-row seat to survival psychology and shaped a lifelong fascination with what drives human behavior.
Over years of working with people, repeating emotional patterns began to emerge—the same core injuries showing up beneath different stories, relationships, and life choices. These patterns were identified as the 7 Primal Wounds™—invisible emotional injuries that shape relationships, self-worth, and decision-making.
These wounds become unconscious scripts individuals live from.
The work helps people recognize those scripts, interrupt them, and consciously choose a new way forward. Because once the pattern is visible, individuals can rewrite their lives.
Once you know your Primal Wound, everything changes...
What is a Primal Wound?
You’re not “too sensitive.”
You’re not “dramatic.”
You’re not “overthinking.”You’re running an old emotional program —
your Primal Wound.It’s your nervous system’s emergency response.
Just like your body slams the brakes to avoid a crash,
your mind reacts when something feels emotionally threatening:panic
freeze
shut down
overcorrectThis quick assessment has helped thousands uncover the invisible belief shaping their reactions, relationships, and self-worth.
You've got questions...I've got answers...
FAQs
What types of clients do you work with?
I’m not for everyone—and that’s intentional. I work best with clients who are:
Open to feedback
Committed to doing the work
Ready to stop blaming and start building
If this is you, feel free to explore availability and book a session.
What are your specialties?
Spot and reset the 7 Primal Wounds™ that drive triggers, impulsive decisions, and repeating patterns.
Break cycles of self-sabotage so you stop reacting from survival mode and start operating from clarity and intention.
Communicate with precision — eliminating misunderstandings, emotional blowups, and power struggles.
Rebuild trust and stability in relationships, partnerships, and teams after breakdowns or disconnect.
Strengthen a forward-focused, growth mindset that fuels better decisions, healthier boundaries, and long-term momentum.
Navigate intimacy and complex dynamics with confidence, emotional intelligence, and grounded self-awareness.
What's your credentials?
Doctorate of Philosophy - doctoral project - neuroscience of relationships
Masters of Arts – Psychology
Bachelors of Arts – Journalism & Communications
Specialty training: Neuroscience of Attachments, Trauma Informed Care, Narcissism & Microexpressions
Licensed in California, Nevada, and Alaska (Inquire directly for current licensure status by state)
Do you offer things other than coaching?
Read one of my books which aim to inspire positive growth and change
Shop Happy tools to get you started on your way to happiness
Listen to one of my guided meditations on InsightTimer.
Listen to the SkyTalkDoc podcast
What's the 7 Primal Wounds?
The 7 Primal Wounds™ are deep, subconscious patterns that shape how we think, feel, and respond in relationships. If you’d like to discover your own wound and explore tools for healing, visit 7PrimalWounds.com for the full framework, free resources, and the official free quiz.
Do you offer coaching in my area and what approach do you use?
Yes! I specialize couples coaching both in-person and virtually for partners living throughout Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, and Sutter counties—including communities like Roseville, Folsom, Auburn, El Dorado Hills, Placerville, Grass Valley, and Yuba City.
Our work with couples is grounded in an Emotionally Focused approach, a proven, research-backed framework designed to help partners break out of negative conflict cycles and rebuild deep emotional trust. Rather than just giving you superficial communication "tips" or assigning blame, EFT gets straight to the heart of why you feel disconnected:
De-escalate Recurring Fights: Identify the underlying triggers driving your arguments so you can stop having the exact same fight over and over.
Rebuild Emotional Safety: Help each partner express raw feelings and unmet attachment needs safely without triggering defensiveness.
Restore Intimacy & Connection: Move from feeling like distant roommates back to feeling like a unified, supported team.
Whether you're looking for support nearby in the Greater Sacramento area or prefer the convenience of online sessions from anywhere in the surrounding foothill and valley counties, we’re here to help you heal and strengthen your partnership.
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