About
In therapy, the relationship between client & therapist is paramount. I place an emphasis on authenticity, genuineness, and critical thought. You will be accepted and cared for as you are in a calm, comfortable, non-judgmental and trusting environment. You will discover hope as we work together to obtain the growth and change that you desire.
I have been working in the field of psychology since 1996 and have enjoyed working with children, adolescents, adults, families and couples in a private practice setting for more than 20 years. Additionally, I have experience from Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins University, Catholic Charities, and Gettysburg College.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Towson University and a Master of Social Work with a Clinical focus from Barry University. Currently, I am independently licensed in Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. I have received additional training in mediation, trauma, clinical supervision, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting.
Treatment Approaches I most often utilize include:
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Christian Based Counseling
I value you, your story and look forward to working with you so you may live healed and freely with your whole being.
Statement of Faith and Values
arKardia Counseling and Consulting, LLC was founded and built on faith. Michele Montenegro’s passion and purpose is to build a company that loves all people and guides them on their journey toward emotional healing. Michele’s values and faith are centered on Jesus (John 4: 1-42).
At arKardia Counseling & Consulting, LLC, we meet with all people regardless of race, sexuality, gender or religious beliefs. We do not impose our values on others nor do we question their beliefs. We meet people who:
- View their faith as a strength
- Have been manipulated and hurt by religion and/or the church
- Question their belief in a higher power or
- Have no belief
In our work with others, we are guided by faith and the ethics of our profession. This means that we accept people as they are, honoring the inherent dignity and worth of all. Our belief is to first seek to understand ourselves and our own biases, so that our clients will feel seen and heard without judgment or shaming. We take our time to build an authentic relationship and foster a caring environment. arKardia Counseling & Consulting, LLC operates with integrity and honesty, so that there is strong foundational trust. Professionally and personally, we are continually growing and clinically sound, so that our clients are protected and safe from any emotional harm when in our space.
The Meaning Behind the name
Have you heard, “The longest journey is the 18 inches from your head to your heart”? I often hear and observe how people struggle with this disconnect as they verbalize what they know in their head, but can’t put into action or feel in their heart. As my love for growth and therapy has evolved, so has my desire to help others live with the freedom and joy that connecting our mind and heart brings. Thus, the birth of arKardia counseling & consulting.
*ar is a word forming element expressing a direction to or toward.
Kardia is the heart, but in this case we are looking beyond anatomy. Kardia is the center of who we are. It is here that we hold our desires, passions, purpose, emotions, character and spiritual life.
arKardia means the movement toward the heart, fitting together and closing the 18 inch gap, so we may live with our whole being.
Affiliations
Mission
To help others live with the freedom and joy that connecting our mind and heart bringsVision
So we may live with our whole being
Values
- Integrity - Honest & Responsible
- Competence - Clinically Sound & Continually Growing
- Relationship - Belonging & Community
- Self Determination - Honoring the Inherent Dignity of All
- Privacy - Legally and Ethically Abiding
- Faith - Guided by Trust & Devotion