Hello there lovely human,

My name is Michelle Charime and I’m an American-Iranian therapist, proud big sister, musicophile, animal-lover, nature-admirer, and recovering people-pleaser. Yup, therapists aren’t perfect and here’s another secret, a lot of us feel most passionate about working with the people that are going through similar life stuff we’ve been through. Isn’t that neat? So when I say I understand the struggle of feeling tied to others' happiness to feel your own, I really mean it. If you're fed up with this frustrating and exhausting cycle, you're in the right place. Let me explain. 

I used to believe that doing everything I could to keep everyone around me happy was the key to my own happiness. Spoiler alert, that didn't work out so well. After years of giving my all to others and losing myself in the process, I hit a breaking point when I found myself in a romantic relationship that mirrored some rough childhood dynamics.

Starting my own therapy was like giving myself permission to breathe again. I know that sounds kind of dramatic, but all that control over needing to be nice enough, be smart enough, be good enough, be…well you get my point…made me feel like I didn’t have the space to really breathe. I was constricted and holding back really important parts of myself that wanted to be let out so badly. We all carry lies from our past, telling us we're not enough somehow—lies that end up controlling us and telling our true selves to go and stay in hiding. Therapy was a lifeline, a safe space to rebuild the shattered relationship I had with myself with the support of someone else, which for a sensitive codependent, felt much better than jumping into it all on my own. Baby steps, baby steps. Therapy didn't just heal past wounds; it ignited a curiosity about what I truly wanted. It helped me build the strength to break free from the habitual response of people-pleasing and finally learn to trust and prioritize myself.

I passionately believe that if everyone embraced their authenticity, the world would be a more beautiful and loving place. That might be my sensitive soul talking, but it’s nice to imagine. My mission is to help you feel empowered to live as your most authentic self, free from the expectations of others. We'll explore what's working in your relationships, set boundaries in a way that feels good, and help you rebuild trust in yourself.

Take a moment to picture a life where you can say no without guilt, where your needs matter, and where setting boundaries isn't scary but liberating. What does that feel like to imagine? Does your body relax a little bit? Do you feel like you can breathe deeper somehow? Therapy is not about changing who you are - you are already enough; it's about rediscovering the most authentic version of yourself and setting them free. 

If you're ready to step out of the people-pleasing loop and find your own voice again, and listen to it, I'm here for you as a nurturing and empathetic guide through this transformative journey you are so bravely considering. It would be an honor to witness your journey of rediscovery, healing, and creating a life that feels true to you.