Michelle L. Acker, PsyD

I have been practicing as a psychologist for 25 years. I received a masters degree in child development from Tufts University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver. Over the years, I have developed expertise in early childhood and maternal mental health, parenting, trauma, loss and grief. I work with individuals who are hoping to become a parent, are pregnant, or experiencing postpartum adjustment issues -- all phases of navigating the transition to parenthood. I also have a particular expertise in working with women who are parenting children of any age in the context of their own losses or difficult relationships with caregivers. I strongly believe that the experience of parenting provides a powerful opportunity for reparation, hope and healing for THE PARENT. In addition to my individual work, I run groups for women who are mothering very young children (0-5) in the context of their own mother loss. I have learned my most valuable role is to help clients cultivate their capacity to trust what they know about themselves, what they are ready for, and what is important to them. I use a collaborative, reflective and curious approach to help us make meaning of your experiences and identify how you would like to move forward and live your life. My lived experience, as well as my professional training enable me to support clients as they navigate both the beauty and pain of life.