Michelle Smith is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner in Nebraska. She graduated from Doane College in 2011 with a Masters of the Arts in Counseling degree. Additionally, Michelle received a Masters of the Arts in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University in December 2013. She has experience working with and/or assessing adolescent females with behavioral difficulties, neurological disorders, individuals with chronic mental health conditions, children, adolescents, and families. Michelle served as an Adjunct Professor for Doane University teaching several courses for the Masters of the Arts in Counseling program from January 2014 through December 2017.  She is also a member of the Mental Health Board in Adams County. 

Michelle completed training in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), which is an evidence-based treatment modality that assists children ages 0-5 and their parents heal after experiencing trauma. Additionally, she completed a 150-hour training program in Play Therapy for infants, early childhood, children, adolescents, adults, and grief. Michelle utilizes attachment theory to assist clients understand and heal from trauma and mental health conditions.  To promote attachment and bonding between parents and children, she is a Registered Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator.  

In addition to the above mentioned evidence-based practices, Michelle completed training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).  This treatment assists individuals to learn skills to express emotions in healthy ways following traumatic life experiences.  It also assists with making sense of those experiences by integrating it into our life story.  Lastly, Michelle is trained in the RSAFE treatment modality to address  and treat problematic sexual behaviors.

Michelle also utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach to mental health in which the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are the primary modes of facilitating change. Michelle has also received training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy which emphasizes skill-building, behavioral interventions, and problem-solving. Finally, she incorporates techniques such as mindfulness training, yoga, and relaxation training into her approach.  

Jacquie Cox is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Provider in Nebraska under the supervision of Michelle Smith. She joined Sunrise Inspirations in April, 2019 and is excited to be able to provide therapeutic services in the Hastings area. She is currently enrolled in the Heartland Play Therapy certificate training program to learn creative play therapy activities to use with her clients. She brings several years of experience working with individuals in the mental health, brain injury, and Developmental/Intellectual Disability communities.

Jacquie approaches clients from a client-centered approach in which she utilizes a variety of techniques and activities to match what works best for each individual client. Jacquie feels a strong connection with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She believes that understanding how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors work together can help lead to the individual’s desired outcome.

Jacquie grew up in the Chicago area and has lived throughout the United States, although she has called central Nebraska home for almost 20 years. She has 2 wonderful, adult daughters and her dogs are a huge part of her life now. One is even working on becoming a certified therapy dog and joins Jacquie at the office sometimes. Jacquie also enjoys going camping and watching movies.

Education

Heartland Play Therapy Institute - Play Therapy certificate In Progress

Doane College- Masters of Art in Counseling Dec ‘11

University of Missouri- Certificate in Employment Services Nov ‘09

Central Comm. College- Certificate of Achievement Leading and Motivating Mar ‘09

Brain Injury Assoc. of America- Certified Brain Injury Specialist September ‘08

Doane College- B.A. Human Relations May ‘07

Community Involvement

Crisis Text line, Crisis Counselor 04/2018- current

Board of Directors, Brain Injury Association of Nebraska 3/2010 - 5/2016

South Central Partnership, Hastings Ne 6/2008 – 3/2012

Hastings Chamber of Commerce Diplomat 2/2009 - 7/2013

Brain Team, Hastings, Ne 9/2008 – 2015

Nebraska Veterans TBI Task Force 1/2009 - 2015

TBI Advisory Council, Lincoln, Ne 12/2008 – 03/2010