Rising Stars: Meet Michelle Mugge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Mugge.

Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’m not sure where to start with this. I was not a good student during my undergrad. I struggled with focus and procrastination throughout my education. The peak of my struggles occurred during my undergraduate years. I further struggled with social anxiety so anytime I had to present in front of the class or turn in an essay I would have anxiety about just getting started and avoiding them.

This led to increased stress and subpar work when I finally completed assignments. Although I was dedicated to any tasks I was assigned when working as a research assistant in the psychology department at ASU, I was informed by a professor that I briefly encountered that I would not be able to pursue a master’s program in the future. This was primarily due to difficulties writing papers. I was initially shocked because the main contributors to the research program were very encouraging and wrote praising recommendation letters on my behalf.

Needless to say, I took this as a challenge to kind of prove her wrong. I worked as a case manager after graduating with a BS in Psychology. I feared that my low grades would make it very difficult to get onto a master’s program. With the help of my recommendation letters from professors and my current boss, I was accepted into multiple programs. The feedback I received was that my ability to do well in my interviews and determination provided enough confidence to give me a shot.

Once in the program, I continued to struggle with writing, however, I performed a great deal better overall academically. At the end of my program, I was once again told by one professor that I met with very briefly that she did not believe I would ever get into a doctorate-level program. That my ability to connect with others therapeutically allowed me to complete the program. At this point in time, I did not consider going further in my education. I thought I would be content with providing therapy at the master’s level.

Five years after working at the Meadows in Wickenburg, AZ as a licensed therapist I wanted more. I loved the idea of completing assessments. I only had a brief introduction to it in school, but what I learned intrigued me. However, I was concerned that I would not get into a program. After much encouragement from friends and family, I decided to apply for a program. I got into a program in 2011 and graduated cum laude in 2015. It did not come without difficulty. I took an extra year to complete my dissertation and had to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology four times before I passed. This is not something to be necessarily proud of. But I use this story with those who believe that they cannot accomplish their goals because they were told they were not good enough. I had a very difficult time in school. Despite that, I could persevere and do the things I was told weren’t possible.

So I have been in private practice since September 2016. It was difficult for the first few years, but with the support of my friends and family, specifically my husband, I have been able to build a thriving practice. It’s not a big group practice. I’m not making multiple 6 figures every year. But I am happy with where I am. I have successfully been able to find a work/life balance and I practice what I preach with my clients.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As I stated in the previous question, maintaining focus when under stress had been my biggest struggle. Initially, the social anxiety would lead me to avoid completing necessary tasks and facing conflicts with others. When I finally sought therapy for myself I learned wash’s to cope and believe in my abilities.

I accepted my limitations and learned how to work around them. I still deal with these struggles but I don’t let them get in the way of what I need to accomplish. I also use them to help others find a way to work through their own obstacles.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am licensed as a Professional Counselor in Arizona and Oregon, and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Arizona. I am in solo private practice in Anthem, AZ. I specialize in trauma and anxiety and trained in EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing.

I am most proud of my ability to connect with my clients and offer a place for them to be themselves with me. This type of trust can offer my clients an opportunity to work through the issues they were not able to deal with previously. While I do not connect with everyone, I do my best to find someone who they can connect with if I am not the one. I had to work on not beating myself up if a client decides to stop treatment with me. I still question what I did to lead to clients leaving but I remind myself that I cannot help everyone the way they need to be helped.

The last question is always difficult to answer. Every therapist has something unique to offer because as humans we are all unique. It all boils down to the client. For some, my background and experience set me apart. I am a first-generation college graduate. I was born in a foreign country. I am a female psychologist of color. I am a military veteran, ARMY. I have experience with anxiety, specifically social anxiety. With these experiences among others, I can lend a supportive environment to those with similar experiences.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I go to a local gym, True Fitness, 5 days a week. I believe that attention to the whole body and mind is important to find balance in life and healing from past losses and traumas. While I love to read and listen to various podcasts, I admit that I watch a lot of TV and movies. I had to read so many articles and study in my doctorate program and prepare for the EPPP, that now I do prefer to engage in activities where I do not have to put too much effort to think. Working with clients all week through their struggles can deplete my energy. So watching mindless TV allows me to just let go of my therapist hat. I know others who do not understand this and may judge me, but this is who I am.

All that being said, I love listening to podcasts that provide motivation and tools helpful in my career. I am passionate about how the brain functions. Carolyn Leaf is a communications pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist who provides fascinating information regarding the mind-body connection and how to manage emotional struggles. She wrote various books and has a podcast on the subject. I saw her speak at an event I attended in Columbus, Ohio in September. The event showcased various speakers with a wide range of backgrounds called the Summit Of Greatness. I first attended this weekend event in 2019 with my best friend.

Going into the 2019 event I was feeling lost about my practice. While I had clients I was not filling my schedule. I was focused on so many ideas and not getting anywhere with how to improve my practice. After listening to the different speakers on how to refocus and take care of yourself, I went home and refocused my attention on what my business needed. With the help of my husband, I was able to take my practice where it needed to go.

Contact Info:

• Website: serenityfoundations.com
• Instagram: @serenityfoundations
• Facebook: @SerenityFoundations
• Twitter: @MichelleMugge
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/b2YBkrefEtb