Michelle Torres, MA, MFA, AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #150977
Supervised by Lori Crowley, LMFT #121471
MTMaxson
Employed by the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy at ExP Therapy in Petaluma and telehealth throughout California
Meet Michelle
As a psychotherapist, I am deeply passionate about empowering individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives. I take a strengths-based, humanistic, and relational approach, believing in and building on the inherent resilience and potential of each person I work with. My practice is grounded in warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for each individual’s unique experiences.
My path to therapy has been shaped by a multifaceted background in education, the arts, and social justice. Before becoming a therapist, I spent over 20 years as an educator and artist, using creative expression as a tool for healing and self-discovery. I have applied drama therapy techniques to teach conflict resolution and social-emotional skills to at-risk youth in New York City, led a restorative justice-based writing and performance program for formerly incarcerated women in San Francisco, and helped college students develop confidence and empathy through acting in the Performing Arts and Social Justice Program at the University of San Francisco. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the power of storytelling, self-expression, and connection in personal growth and healing.
My work as a therapist is primarily rooted in supporting neurodivergent clients, including those navigating ADHD and autism, as well as parents of neurodivergent kids, particularly with PDA. I recognize that traditional therapy approaches don’t always fit neurodivergent minds, so I tailor my work to meet each client where they are, providing a validating, strengths-based, and flexible approach that honors different ways of thinking and experiencing the world.
Combining clinical training, lived experience, and my background in creative and restorative practices, I create a therapeutic space where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore their challenges and strengths. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, my goal is to provide compassionate, affirming, and practical support to help you build a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and aligned with who you truly are.
Lived Experience
As a neurodivergent therapist, I bring both professional knowledge and lived experience to my work, offering a deeply informed and empathetic approach to therapy. Having ADHD and dyslexia, a neurodivergent husband, and parenting both a neurodivergent and a neurotypical child has given me firsthand insight into the complexities, challenges, and strengths of neurodivergent family dynamics. I understand the importance of self-care, emotional support, and self-awareness in navigating these experiences, and I strive to create a space where individuals, couples, and families feel truly understood and supported. My goal is to help clients build healthier communication, reduce stress, and strengthen their most meaningful relationships while honoring their unique ways of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world.
