Michelle Richardson

Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Jersey and has founded two psychotherapy businesses—her group practice, Mindful Soul Center for Wellbeing, located in Haddon Heights and Medford, NJ, and Syzygy Institute, a national training institute for therapists learning to integrate EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy modalities, co-founded with Bruce Hersey, LCSW.

For over twenty years in the field, Michelle has been witness to the incredible power of connection, healing, and empowerment—as a psychotherapist, a client herself, and a trusted mentor, supervisor, and consultant to fellow clinicians. The world needs compassionate, well-trained, and committed therapists, and Michelle has thoughtfully hand-picked her staff so that clients of Mindful Soul Center for Wellbeing can find a trusted professional to walk beside them on their path of self-discovery and growth.

In addition to her clinical work, Michelle is a national presenter, consultant, and contributing author in the trauma therapy field. She is a contributing author to IFS-Informed EMDR: Creative and Collaborative Approaches (Routledge, 2025) and has presented at professional conferences, including the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) Conference and the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA). Her teaching and writing focus on IFS-Informed EMDR integration, therapist Self-leadership, and working effectively with complex trauma and protective systems.

Therapy with Michelle

Michelle views her role as a therapist as being a lighthouse instead of a life raft, shining light on new ideas and perspectives rather than making short-term fixes that might not be sustainable. With mindful awareness, self-compassion, and guidance, she believes that people can tap into the inner wisdom of Self-Energy and Self-Leadership to repair, heal, and create a more harmonious relationship with themselves and the world around them.

“The more we can cultivate curiosity and compassion towards ourselves, the more we can heal our wounds.”

-Richard Schwartz

As a highly trained women’s trauma specialist, Michelle works with people suffering from PTSD, complex childhood and relational trauma, dissociative disorders, anxiety, and other types of emotional conditions. Often times, we are not even aware that the issues we face in the present actually stem from past experiences that were painful and never truly repaired. Clients that work with Michelle discover new insights and awareness to the challenges that they face; and with that awareness comes a clearer and more compassionate path towards healing. Michelle’s primary treatment modalities are EMDR and IFS therapies. She is also trained in Polyvagal Theory and is a Safe and Sound Protocol Provider through Unyte.

Currently, Michelle is only available for the following:

Discovery Sessions:

There are times in the therapeutic process where we – perhaps both therapist and client – might feel a little stuck or unclear on what direction to follow. Discovery sessions are a collaborative process that typically include a consultation between Michelle and the referring therapist and 1-4 client sessions of brief and targeted IFS-Informed EMDR therapy with Michelle. These sessions will focus on identifying and potentially reducing blocks and gaining overall clarity on treatment planning. Discovery sessions are available on a limited basis throughout the year based on Michelle’s schedule.

IFS-Informed EMDR Intensives:

IFS-Informed EMDR Intensives offer a concentrated period of EMDR therapy scheduled close together—often over several consecutive days. Instead of weekly one-hour sessions, intensives may be completed in extended blocks (for example, four hours at a time, or consecutive days), allowing for continuity, momentum, and deeper engagement in the therapeutic process. The appropriateness of an intensive is determined individually, and clients with prior experience in EMDR and IFS or other parts-oriented approaches are typically best suited for this format.

Please note that these services may not be covered by insurance.

EMDR Consultation Services for Therapists Seeking EMDRIA Certification

The goal of EMDR consultation is not simply to accrue required hours, but to develop confidence, competence, and clinical flexibility. Michelle is a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant and offers individual and group consultation for therapists working toward certification or seeking to refine their EMDR practice. Consultation sessions—offered both virtually and in person—provide space to explore complex cases, address blocks, and deepen clinical intuition.

IFS-Informed EMDR Consultation Services for Therapists Seeking Certification Through Syzygy Institute

Michelle’s professional journey includes bridging EMDR and IFS at a time when the two models were often experienced as polarized. After training with Bruce Hersey in early iterations of IFS-Informed EMDR, she found a meeting place between these approaches. Now, as an advanced clinician, trainer, and consultant, Michelle is passionate about helping therapists work effectively with blended protector parts while maintaining clarity, structure, and self-energy in session.

Therapists may request to be added to Michelle’s consultation waitlist by completing the EMDR & IFS Consultation Inquiry form.

Training & Educational Opportunities

In addition to her clinical and consultation work, Michelle regularly teaches therapists through Syzygy Institute, which offers continuing education programs focused on the integration of EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy through the Syzygy model. Trainings are designed for experienced clinicians seeking greater clarity and confidence in IFS-informed EMDR treatment.

Therapists can attend Michelle’s trainings through Syzygy Institute in the following ways:

• Virtual trainings offered throughout the year, including foundational and advanced IFS-Informed EMDR workshops

• In-person trainings in New Jersey, hosted at Mindful Soul Center for Wellbeing and other local venues

• Conference-based workshops and presentations at national and international professional conferences

Current training dates, formats, and registration details are available on the Syzygy Institute website.

Professional Contributions & Media

Michelle has been a featured guest on several clinician-focused podcasts, including Empowered Through Compassion, Awaken Your Wise Woman, and The Woman Worriers Podcast, where she discusses Internal Family Systems therapy, anxiety, the inner critic, and therapist self-leadership. She was also a guest on Selling the Couch with Melvin Varghese, PhD, where she shared about the founding of Mindful Soul Center for Wellbeing and her journey as a group practice owner.

Michelle lives with her husband, a teacher, and their three active children in southern New Jersey. Much of her time outside of work is spent on softball and baseball fields or in school auditoriums for musical performances. Living a full family life has deepened her respect for pacing, presence, and sustainable rhythms—values that shape both her clinical work and leadership. A natural Virgo, Michelle has a deep appreciation for clarity, thoughtful systems, and doing things with care. She also enjoys time at her family’s cabin in Maine, reading a good historical fiction, and chocolate.