Michelle Cusick, LCSW
Michelle Cusick is a therapist and military veteran who believes therapy should feel steady, honest, and grounded. She creates a space where people can slow down, speak openly, and work through what feels heavy without judgment or overwhelm.
Her work is trauma-informed and rooted in nervous system regulation. Michelle helps clients understand how stress, past experiences, and high levels of responsibility shape the way they think, react, and relate. Her style is calm and direct — blending compassion with structure and practical tools that create meaningful change. She enjoys working with adults, high-functioning professionals, first responders, military families, and children (8+).
Owner and Therapist Licensed Clinical Social Worker EMDR & ART Trained Therapist-
Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene University and her master’s degree from California State University San Marcos. She has worked in diverse clinical settings with individuals facing complex trauma, chronic stress, and significant life demands.
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• Outpatient mental health with adults, couples, children, and families
• Acute behavioral health settings
• Military SARP program (trauma and substance use treatment)
• School-based mental health services
• Critical incident support for first responders
• Military family support through transition and deployment
• Community outreach with individuals experiencing homelessness -
Clients describe her as steady, thoughtful, and clear—able to hold emotional depth and complexity while gently helping them move forward with practical steps.
She prioritizes a strong therapeutic alliance and uses evidence-based methods, especially EMDR and ART, to foster lasting healing, improved coping, and better emotional regulation.
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Outside of her work, Michelle prioritizes the same balance she encourages in therapy. She and her husband of ten years share an active life with their two cats and Blue Heeler. She trains for ultramarathons, practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, paddle boards, and volunteers locally as a Big Buddy mentor for the Cape Fear Volunteer Program. Movement, discipline, and service are central to how she maintains perspective and resilience.
She believes resilience is built through small, consistent effort — both inside and outside the therapy room.
Movement, discipline, and connection help me show up steady and fully present for the people I work with.
Your therapist outside the office.
