I'm Michaela, impresario of life

About Me

I’m a critical thinker, independent-minded, and a perpetual learner. I grew up in the rural Sierra Nevadas, navigating life without running water or electricity—an upbringing that shaped my resilience, resourcefulness, and deep appreciation for personal growth.

I believe true fulfillment comes from living authentically, expressing our truth with grace, and challenging outdated survival patterns that no longer serve us. As an adventurer, I’ve explored over 25 countries in search of expansive views and deeper truths.

Professionally, I’m a licensed psychotherapist and life coach. I specialize in identifying and exposing the seven primal wounds that sabotage relationships, self-worth, and decision-making. These wounds often develop early in life, becoming the hidden drivers of our survival patterns and emotional reactivity. My work now centers on helping individuals and couples recognize these core wounds and learn how to use them as guides rather than saboteurs.

Exposing the Primal Wounds

If you've ever wondered why you shut down, lash out, overachieve, or lose yourself in relationships—you're not alone. These responses often stem from a primal wound: the invisible emotional injury you sustained when your needs were unmet or your spirit was rejected.

Your wound isn't the problem. Not knowing it's there is.

Through a blend of neuroscience, attachment theory, and real-world tools, I help you uncover the primal wound that drives your behavior—and how to reset the patterns it creates.

This work is at the heart of my upcoming book: "Get Naked: Exposing the Primal Wounds That Sabotage Your Life" (coming 2025).

Individual Counseling

Your Journey
Feeling stuck in a lukewarm existence? Craving visibility, acknowledgment, and validation? Struggling with boundaries or communication?
I help you break free from survival patterns and move toward a thriving, authentic life. My approach is collaborative, curious, and action-oriented—and I don’t believe in staying stuck.

My mission is to help you SOAR—which means getting honest about the turbulence you allow and the turbulence you create.

Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Fit?

My availability is limited. I work best with clients who are ready to take action and committed to personal growth.If that sounds like you, feel free to explore session details and book online.

Specialties: Primal Wounds & Intimacy

I specialize in:

• Identifying and resetting the 7 Primal Wounds
• Strengthening communication & emotional safety
• Navigating emotional and physical intimacy
• Rewiring disconnection in romantic or self-relationships
• Conflict resolution that builds trust—not trauma

Soaring Sessions™

Flying mirrors life. In this experiential program, we use flight to put "pie-in-the-sky" concepts into grounded, transformational action.

Focus Areas:

• Facing fear
• Building effective communication
• Embracing a growth mindset
• Identifying primal wounds and survival patterns

Contact for details and availability.

Look for my upcoming book on Primal Wounds in 2025!

Credentials

• PhD – Philosophy, Clinical Sexology
• MA – Psychology
• BA – Journalism & Communications
• Specialty training: Trauma & Microexpressions
• Licensed in California, Nevada, and Alaska
  (Inquire directly for current licensure status by state)

• 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.
• Listten to the SkyTalkDoc podcast