Michelle Thorpe, LCPC
About Me
About Me
Michelle's career began in behavioral intervention, working with children on the autism spectrum. During this time, she developed a strong appreciation for neurodiversity, early developmental experiences and the critical role of caregivers in shaping a child’s sense of safety and connection. This early work continues to inform her perspective, particularly her focus on strengthening relationships and supporting families as integral parts of the healing process.
Michelle has since expanded her work across the lifespan, supporting children, adolescents, adults and families. Trauma remains central to her practice, which she understands through an attachment lens—as something that affects not only the individual but also their capacity to trust, regulate emotions and engage in relationships. She works collaboratively with patients to explore these patterns, helping them build greater emotional awareness, resilience and a more secure sense of self.
In her work within inpatient rehabilitation, Michelle supports patients and families as they navigate complex and often overwhelming medical experiences. She has extensive experience working with individuals adjusting to traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), and congenital or developmental diagnoses. In these settings, she attends not only to the psychological impact of injury and illness, but also to the relational disruptions that often accompany them—helping patients and their loved ones maintain connection, process grief and adapt to new roles and identities.
Michelle’s goal is to support patients and families in healing from complex medical and emotional experiences by fostering connection, strengthening attachment and creating space for meaning-making. She believes that healing occurs within relationships—and that with the right support, individuals and families can move toward greater integration, resilience and a renewed sense of stability.
Location
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
355 East Erie Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Education & Training
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Education
2018 – 2020
Loyola University Chicago, Master Education, Community Counseling
2013 – 2017
Western Michigan University, Bachelor of Psychology