About Me

Michelle Balke, M.S., L.M.F.T. is a Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy with an emphasis on attention deficit disorders, adoption concerns, parenting concerns, including underachieving children and adults, anger management, and maintains a private practice in San Diego, California.

With 34 years experience as a Marriage and Family therapist, and as a graduate of UC Irvine, California State University and Fairfield University in Connecticut, specializing in Family Systems Therapy, she is currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients.

In addition to being a highly experienced and dynamic Family Therapist, Michelle Balke worked for the state of Connecticut, Judicial Branch, in the Family Services Unit, as a Family Relations Counselor in which she conducted comprehensive custody and visitation evaluations for highly disputed custody and visitation cases for the Superior Court. In addition, Ms. Balke case managed family violence cases meeting with family violence offenders and victims of the family violence. Following these cases, Ms. Balke made recommendations on the day of arraignment regarding the family violence protective orders, interviewed the individuals involved in the incident, made appropriate referrals to Child Protective Services, treatment recommendations, followed the offender's treatment, and made recommendations to the court about the final disposition of the family violence cases. Further, Ms. Balke has been a Faculty Member at UC Irvine's Medical School, Department of OB-GYN, consulting with Faculty and Staff on the psychological aspects of infertility and adoption. Further, Ms. Balke has spoken in the community on the topics of parenting issues, attention deficit disorders, stress reduction, relaxation training, co-dependency, adoption methods and concerns, the psychological aspects of infertility, caring for the elderly, and women entrepreneurs.

Michelle Balke, M.S., L.M.F.T. is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach provides support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques and her 10 Step Solution Focused Plan to help her clients achieve Serenity, Balance and Joy. She offers a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Education

B.A. in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine, 1975, Emphasis on Community Mental Health and Human Development
M.S. in Counseling from the California State University, Fullerton, 1978
School Counseling Certification, from Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut, 1992

Licenses

California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Number 46979
Connecticut Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Number 000285

Additional Training
Adoption Concerns
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders
Anger Management
Behavior Modification
Crisis Intervention
Divorce and Separation Concerns
Divorce, Separation and Visitation Mediation
Parenting Classes and Parenting Issues
Underachieving Children and Adults
Visitation and Custody Counseling Issues

Treatment Modalities
Behavior Modification
Brief Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Play Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy

Professional Activities and Memberships
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Please use the form below to request an appointment or a complimentary telephone get acquainted session. I look forward to hearing from you soon.