Do you look in the mirror and not like the person you see looking back at you? Do you struggle with depression and anxiety? Do you often experience feelings of despair, sadness, hopelessness, low motivation, and little self-worth?
I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger management, trauma, substance abuse, as well as others. I utilize various treatment methods to empower my clients to improve their lives and start living instead of just existing.
If you are suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues, let me help.

As a therapist, Michelle is committed to supporting her clients as they identify the changes they would like to make. With your personal goals in mind, she will work with you to discover the best positive solutions to the challenges you are facing. Michelle believes that counseling is not just about talking out problems and crisis issues, but about building self-confidence, resilience, and meaning.

2. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in helping clients overcome the loss of self, anxiety, and depression in a matter of months rather than years so that they can experience the present, increase acceptance and live with more purpose. My experience spans approximately fifteen years in the mental health field, I have a bachelor’s Degree from Portland State University (1999) and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Arizona State University in 2005. I have worked in a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, level-one trauma centers, community crisis response, private practice, and in-home counseling. Having worked as a Clinical Social worker for 10+ years my training is rooted in systems theory which has taught me to evaluate the whole person, and to look at their individual needs, influences, and strengths which helps deliver personalized treatment for all of my clients. I have further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness techniques which have helped me specialize in anxiety and life transitions. Today I offers individual counseling for adults struggling with loss of identity, anxiety, agoraphobia, new medical/psychiatric diagnosis, depression, grief, co-occurring issues, stress management, and/or anyone who hopes to improve their ability to be present.

I have over 30 years experience teaching mindfulness, meditation and working in the Mental Health field. I feel a lot of compassion for those who struggle and specialize in working with religious trauma, PTSD, nightmares, disscciation, and depersonalization, excessive worries, anxiety and panic attacks. I never ask my clients to do something, i.e. use a method that I have not worked with myself. I strongly believe one must walk their talk and live in integrity to feel healthy. I have traveled and lived in many countries and I provide support for expats and people with intercultural adjustment difficulties related to the experience of living abroad.. My primary purpose for traveling in other countries was to study with various teachers about the nature of consciousness. I lived, for example, with a group of Indians studying indigenous medicine in the Amazon jungle of Columbia. I also traveled through India, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Mexico and Turkey studying the psychological teachings contained in the religious teachings, histories, sacred sites, and art of these cultures. I have studied and practiced Samatha and vipassana Meditation methods for over 30 years. I currently reside in Saigon, Vietnam.

Dr. Bilka tailors her therapeutic approach to fit each client’s unique needs. She integrates several therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, EMDR and relational techniques to provide comprehensive and dynamic treatment. Dr. Bilka’s clinical interests include gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/questioning issues, adolescent and adult life transitions, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse. She specializes in treating teenagers and young adults dealing with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma. Dr. Bilka is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which has been proven highly effective for the treatment of trauma as well as with many other issues. She incorporates warmth, empathy, humor and insight-oriented methods into her practice. Dr. Bilka views the therapeutic process as a collaborative one in which the therapist offers understanding and support, providing the client with the space to develop a deeper understanding of his or her self and the courage to work toward change.

Do you experience the feeling of loneliness, sadness, or fear of the future? Do these feelings affect your ability to do the things you normally enjoy? Helping people live a life that they love is my passion. Learning how to work through difficult relationships, grief, setting boundaries, or going through a life transition. My goal is to help you learn how to work through these issues and live the life you've been longing for. I offer a welcoming space with in-person and virtual appointments to suit your schedule.

I appreciate working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. I use an eclectic approach that tailors the therapeutic process to the unique needs of each client. I have experience treating adolescents, teens, and adults that are facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal ideation, life transitions and self-esteem. I enjoy helping teens with developing future goals for college and career readiness and transitioning into adulthood.
I provide support, coping skills, and a nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel safe sharing their experiences. We will work together to develop and achieve goals.

When life becomes overwhelming or filled with uncertainty, we all deserve a space to talk with someone who will not judge or shame us but who will walk alongside us as we figure it out. I believe that healing happens in connection, and we aren’t designed to figure it all out alone.

I value creating a safe and non-judgemental environment so my clients so they feel safe and comfortable when sharing their stories. I work primarily with trauma-related concerns, anxiety/ panic disorders, and depression.

Reaching out for support is an act of courage, and I admire the bravery it takes to consider counseling. My hope for you is that through the therapeutic process, you can be equipped with the tools to engage in a life that feels not only manageable but also more meaningful and fulfilling.