Michele Whaley

Mental Health Therapist
Brief info

Michele Whaley is a dedicated and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed School Social Worker (LSSW) with a strong background in supporting children and adolescents aged 5-18. Michele holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Spanish from Ball State University, as well as a Master's degree in Social Work from Indiana University. She specializes in addressing challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger management, emotion regulation, self-worth, trauma, self harm, and school refusal among others. Additionally, Michele enjoys collaborating with parents to foster the emotional development of their child and strengthen the family unit as a whole.

Born and raised in Indiana, my childhood was spent in Indianapolis before I ventured off to Ball State University for my undergraduate studies. My time at Ball State was enriching, as I pursued degrees in Psychology and Spanish, and I had the transformative opportunity to study abroad in Spain. Following graduation, I embarked on a career in the criminal justice field, where I gained invaluable insights into the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. While I found this work meaningful, my desire to take a more proactive approach led me to a case management role focused on connecting children and families with essential care and support. It was during this period that I discovered my passion for school social work.

I am drawn to the unique energy of a school environment and the opportunity to contribute to a calm, safe, and nurturing space for all students. Recognizing that schools are a central part of nearly every child’s life, I believe that having a trusted adult within that setting can be profoundly impactful. Since that pivotal experience, I have dedicated my career to working in schools, supporting children from diverse backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and needs. I firmly believe in the crucial role of caring, loving, and invested adults in all aspects of a child’s life, and I strive to embody this as both a therapist and a school social worker.

As a therapist, my primary goal is to create strong, collaborative relationships with both parents and children as we work together to address the concerns that have led them to seek support. My approach begins with actively listening to understand each perspective, which I believe is fundamental to building a meaningful and enriching therapeutic experience. While my therapeutic approach is tailored to the unique needs of each child and family, my practice is informed by key principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Brain Science, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). My hope is to empower both children and parents to gain deeper insights into their challenges, enhance their communication skills, and discover effective coping strategies.

Beyond my professional life, I am the proud mom to an amazing 11-year-old named Kyler, who certainly keeps me on my toes with his various activities! I find joy in staying active through exercise and spending time outdoors. I also love exploring new and different activities and events around the Central Indiana area. My college experience included a transformative study abroad program in Spain, which ignited a passion for travel that I continue to cherish. In my downtime, I also enjoy the simple pleasures of reading and watching television.