We’re looking forward to introducing you to Michelle Hart. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Michelle, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I would describe myself as a calm, laid-back person who finds joy in life’s simple pleasures. One of my favorite things to do lately is take my dogs to the beach on the weekends. I have a 14-year-old Dachshund and recently adopted a playful 7-month-old puppy, and they’ve quickly become the heart of my home. Working remotely, they’re always right by my side and have truly become part of my emotional support system. After a tough session, even just five minutes of cuddles with them helps me feel grounded and re-centered. On weekends, they often join me for coffee with my parents at our favorite local spot—and without fail, they steal the spotlight and soak up all the attention. They bring so much love, laughter, and light into my life, and I’m endlessly grateful for their presence.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michelle Hart, and I’m a licensed mental health therapist currently practicing at Advocate2Create, a private practice in Miami, Florida. I specialize in working with teens and adults navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, major life transitions, and the challenge of prioritizing themselves in a demanding world. My passion lies in helping clients break free from self-doubt, rediscover their self-worth, and build a deep, lasting sense of confidence and self-love. What sets me apart as a therapist is my empathetic and grounded presence—I’m not afraid to sit with clients in their discomfort, creating a space where they feel truly heard, seen, and supported.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Coming from a Hispanic cultural background, I was raised to respect others—often at the expense of expressing my own emotions. As a child, I learned that being mad was “too much,” and feeling sad meant I should “push it under the rug and move on.” Over time, this taught me to suppress my emotional responses and prioritize the well-being of others above my own. I internalized the belief that being a “good person” meant always putting others first. This mindset led to years of people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, and challenges in expressing my own wants and needs. It wasn’t until I began studying psychology and working with clients facing similar struggles that I realized how deeply unhealthy this pattern was—I was neglecting myself. Now, through my work as a therapist, I’m passionate about helping others unlearn these harmful beliefs. I want my clients to know that putting themselves first is not selfish, and it certainly doesn’t make them “bad.” It’s okay to say yes to yourself and no to others. It’s okay to feel and express anger, sadness, and frustration in a healthy, empowered way—through coping strategies and effective communication.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say something kind to my younger self, it would be, “You are perfect just the way you are.” Though it may sound cliché, this is a truth I’ve only come to fully embrace in recent years. Growing up, I often tried to fit into the mold of who others wanted me to be, constantly striving to meet the expectations placed on me. Breaking free from that mold was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and it came with its share of pain, including struggles with anxiety and depression. But learning to be myself—fully and unapologetically—has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I now understand what it means to be “imperfectly perfect,” and I work every day to show up as my true, authentic self. I remind myself that those who truly love me will love me for who I am. This belief is something I also strive to instill in my clients: that their authentic self is not only enough, but beautiful. So again, to my younger self, I would say, “You are beautiful, and you are enough.”
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
For much of my life, I believed that stress was a sign of success. I grew up surrounded by workaholics and internalized the message that “if I’m stressed, it means I’m working hard.” Over time—and through both personal growth and professional experience—I’ve thankfully unlearned that belief and started tuning into what my body truly needs. One of the things I now share with my clients is that anxiety, in small doses, can be useful; it helps us stay motivated and accountable. But there must be a balance. Our society often glorifies overworking and labels rest as laziness—whether that’s sleeping in, taking a nap, or spending a weekend at home. Yet, research consistently shows that rest is essential to our emotional and physical well-being. Today, I encourage others to listen to their bodies: if your body is asking for rest, honor that. If your mind needs solitude instead of socializing, give yourself permission to disconnect. Rest isn’t a weakness—it’s a vital part of healing and thriving.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m grateful to say that I’m doing what I was born to do. As someone who has always been deeply empathetic, I feel incredibly blessed to be in a profession where that quality is not only valued but essential. In a world that often feels overwhelmed by anger, pain, and disconnection, I find purpose in being someone who can help others reconnect with the beauty, love, and light that still exist. Being able to hold space for others, remind them of their inner strength, and guide them toward healing is an honor I don’t take lightly. It’s a gift to do work that aligns so closely with who I am at my core.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.advocate2create.com/
- Instagram: harttohearttherapy
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/michelle-hart-doral-fl/463732
