Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Michelle Leve.
Dr. Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My interest in supporting others through psychological challenges began when I was a toddler. As a child I would often go up to other children – strangers to me – if I saw them crying or upset and offer a helping hand. After graduating from college, I worked in a refugee settlement in Uganda. Here, I saw the impact of war and trauma, but also of resilience and joy. The human ability to move through difficult moments inspired me, and upon my return, I began my studies to become a Doctor of Psychology.
I completed my academic work at the New School in New York City and my clinical training at Beth Israel Hospital (New York, NY), Fordham University’s Counseling Center (New York, NY), St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital’s Women’s Health Project, The Addiction Institute (New York, NY) and Pace University (New York, NY). At Pace, I had specialized training working with high performing students enrolled in the prestigious Actor’s Studio program. I worked with these actors to manage their emotions, cope with stress and anxiety, and build healthy relationships in the pursuit of optimal performance.
These experiences sparked my interest in bridging psychotherapy and performance coaching. Before moving to Miami Beach, I had a private practice in Toronto, Canada, where I grew up. The Canadian winters were quite dreary and searching for the sunshine, I spent many weekends in Miami Beach. During one of these visits, I met Dino Spencer the head coach and owner of the World Famous 5th Street Gym – where Muhammad Ali trained. Dino offered me an opportunity to work as the official sports psychologist and a few months later I moved to Miami.
Currently, I work with diverse clients – professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, busy moms, stay-at-home dads, college students, and athletes – utilizing my background in therapy and performance coaching so that they can get through life’s challenges and have richer, fuller, and more meaningful experiences.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Relocating my practice from the Northeast and starting a new chapter in Miami Beach has been trying at times. When I moved to Miami, I only had a handful of professional contacts and friends – definitely a challenge to build a practice, find clients, and meet new people. One of my strengths is that I thrive in difficult situations and stay calm during times of stress.
Initially having a limited network, forced me to reach out to people, which enabled me to develop a wide network of like-minded professionals. Something I’ve come to love about Miami is that because so many people came here from other places, I find members of the community more open to new people than in the Northeast. The people I’ve met in Miami have helped me to build my practice, shared helpful business advice, and many have become friends.
One of the issues that clients often come in with is adjusting to life in Miami. Miami is a unique place that can bring up a variety of new or familiar struggles. I find joy in helping my clients to find communities where they ‘fit’ here, develop a healthy social life, and thrive in the transition to South Florida.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
As a psychologist, my main focus is helping my clients to unlock their potential. Often times, our current or past difficulties get in the way of being our best selves. My clients come to understand what is hindering their optimal performance and develop the essential skills and self-awareness needed to lead lives with more joy and contentment.
I’m known for my compassionate, collaborative, and solution-focused approach to help my clients. Treatment plans are developed to meet each client’s unique needs – be it social difficulties, substance abuse, stress (or all of the above).
What sets me apart from other therapists is that I am a Doctor of Psychology (Ph.D.). This is a degree that takes almost a decade to earn and is incredibly rigorous in terms of clinical training and coursework. Remember to always check the credentials of your therapist!
Further, my practice offers concierge services, which the most client-centered approach to treatment. Therapy or consultation is provided when clients need them – in real time – in my office, video-chat, or telephone. It’s therapy when you need it.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Listening and giving people feedback to make a change.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1330 West Avenue Miami Beach 33139
- Website: www.michelleleve.com
- Phone: 7866375043
- Email: michelle@michelleleve.com
- Instagram: dr.michelleleve
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