Has Life Got You Down?
Find out how counseling can help you overcome the stress and worries of everyday life.
Michelle Piro Counseling Services
About Michelle Piro
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
My Early Years
My counseling leanings developed early and can be seen by looking at clues from my childhood and early adult years.
Here's how it all started…
I grew up in a family that placed great value in helping people. My grandmother, whom I was very close to, was a natural healer and homeopath as well as a kind and compassionate listener. People were drawn to her for her sage advice. As a child, I remember people spending countless hours at our kitchen table sharing their problems and sorrows with her. They would leave feeling calmed and assured, with a bag full of homegrown vegetables and home-baked goods.
Although I did not pick up my grandmother’s green thumb, I did adopt her healthy lifestyle and compassion for people in pain. Because of her influence I volunteered in a nursing home and in a hospital for many years. Since I was quite young, I knew that helping people was my “calling."
My First Career
I started my career life as a Paralegal in the area of asbestos litigation. My role was to meet with families and gather information for the case. I discovered that what I liked most about my job was helping clients deal with the emotional difficulties caused by the health problems they were experiencing. Some of these people were in major distress and were facing the impending death of themselves and/or their loved ones.
I felt deep compassion for my clients’ suffering and made great efforts to ease their pain in whatever ways I could. In essence, I became an informal counselor to them for the 7 years I was employed in this position. I developed a deep bond with these clients. Many of them kept in touch with me for years after their cases had been resolved.
It was this work that inspired me to train as a professional counselor.
Becoming a Therapist
Having grown up in a family that had problems with addiction. I understand issues of confusion, low self-esteem and ongoing self doubt. The constant stress caused by the unpredictability and instability can be unbearable at times.
Because of my upbringing, as an early adult, I focused on healing my childhood experiences. Eventually, as I left my past behind me, I knew I had a great deal of professional and personal experience that could help others improve their lives.
Individual and Couples Counseling is what I was meant to do. I love seeing my clients’ change and blossom. Many clients come to me for the first time feeling deep despair and a sense of hopelessness. However, through our counseling work I begin to see life in their eyes again as they discover the solutions to their problems. They find a way to take charge of their life.
Professional Counseling Experience
I have worked with a variety of populations in a number of counseling settings, and more recently, in private practice. These have included:
- Santa Clara Unified School District counceling teens and children
- Bay Area hospital recovery center
- Halfway house for women
- Bill Wilson Center-shelter for troubled teens
- Individual and Family counseling
My Counseling Credentials and Memberships
- Masters in Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara
- Licensed Marriage & Family Counselor (LMFT) in California
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
- Specialized training in alcohol and drug abuse
In addition to the professional counseling credentials and memberships above, I keep up to date with new developments in the field by participating in ongoing training. My goal is to ensure my clients receive the best service possible.
On a personal note, I am the mother of 4 children under the age of 16 and therefore understand how challenging parenthood can be with the constant juggle between work and home life.
In spite of my busy schedule, I make an effort to remain healthy by eating well and exercising regularly through walking, running and practicing yoga. I love cats, have a tortoise as a pet and enjoy raising honey bees.
Above all, I understand what it’s like to live with challenging issues. You don’t have to do this alone.
Therapy Could Change Your Life
You deserve to live the best life possible. You can improve your life.
Contact me by email or by phone to see if working with me in therapy is your next best step. You can reach me at: 408.348.1776 by phone or via email at michelle@michellepiro.com.
Michelle Piro is a counselor and therapist who works with adults and children. She provides counseling to people who reside in the following areas: San Jose, Campbell, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos and Saratoga.
