If you’re looking for something beyond run-of-the-mill talk therapy—something that delivers real, lasting results—then a Therapy Intensive might be exactly what you need. I combine powerful EMDR or Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) with a supportive, no-BS approach to help you achieve rapid and lasting transformation.
Accelerate Your Healing in Santa Monica
- Break free from stubborn patterns and limiting beliefs.
- Experience deep healing from trauma, anxiety, or perfectionism.
- Reconnect with your authentic self—feeling lighter, calmer, and more confident.
- Supercharge personal or professional growth without weekly sessions dragging on indefinitely.
A Therapy Intensive in Santa Monica is a condensed, highly focused experience designed to help you:
So many of my clients arrive after countless months—or years—spent “working on themselves.” They’ve tried standard talk therapy, listened to the podcasts, and read all the self-help books. Yet, they still feel stuck. They’re exhausted from the grind of daily life and want a real breakthrough.
Rapid, Transformative Therapy Intensives for High-Achievers, Entrepreneurs, & Visionaries
As a proud local, I’m happy to share insider tips to make your experience even more restorative. From hidden beach coves perfect for reflection to nearby cafes that serve soul-warming meals, you’ll have a curated guide to embrace Santa Monica’s healing energy. By weaving therapeutic work into mini-adventures or peaceful ocean walks, your Intensive can feel like a true retreat—one that nourishes your entire being while ushering in real, lasting change.
Transform your intensive into a nourishing getaway...
Located just steps from the ocean, Santa Monica offers a naturally soothing backdrop for powerful trauma work and emotional renewal. The gentle sound of crashing waves can help you ground yourself as we use EMDR, ART, or other targeted modalities to untangle deep-rooted pain, anxiety, or past traumas. There’s something about the salt air and rhythmic tides that complements the transformative inner work—allowing breakthroughs to happen more freely and organically.
A Weekend Wellness Retreat For Your Mind & Soul
You might be feeling emotionally maxed out—with insomnia, mood swings, or constant mental chatter becoming your norm. Despite a successful track record, you’re second-guessing every decision, hitting the same walls no matter how many self-help resources you try. Stress may be straining your relationships and physical health, fueling a looming sense of burnout. You could even find yourself daydreaming about running away, wishing you’d come back feeling lighter and more in control. If any of this resonates, a Therapy Intensive could be the fast, in-depth approach you need to find lasting relief.
Warning Signs It’s Time For An Intensive
- You’re a high-achieving individual (executive, creative, or entrepreneur) who’s done all the “mindset” work but still feels blocked.
- You want fast, deep results (think days, not months).
- You crave a personal growth “immersion”—removing everyday distractions so you can fully focus on you.
- You’re ready to invest in yourself, step away from the hustle, and see tangible change.
- You live in California—or are ready to travel to Santa Monica—to combine therapy with an uplifting, beachside retreat.
Absolutely perfect if:
Is this Treatment Right for You?
The Biggest Benefits You’ll Walk Away With
- Hours of therapy in a single day or short series—get to the root cause quickly.
- Feel lighter, more energized, and less trapped by old narratives.
Rapid Relief From Overwhelm
- Identify destructive or limiting beliefs that have held you back—and replace them.
- Gain the momentum to make bold life or business moves without second-guessing.
Clarity & Confidence for Your Next Step
- Unpack the trauma or anxiety that’s fueling perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or burnout.
- Walk away with a deeper trust in yourself and your intuition.
True Emotional Freedom
- Transform your Intensive into a rejuvenating wellness weekend in Santa Monica.
- Explore spa services, mindful beach walks, yoga, or local attractions that complement your healing process.
A Curated Retreat Experience (optional)
- My Intensives end with you having a clear roadmap and practical tools to keep you on track.
- No more guesswork. You’ll feel supported and empowered long after our sessions wrap.
A Plan for Lasting Change
- Carrying old trauma or regrets that weigh on you daily.
- Battling a money mindset or scarcity loop, especially as an entrepreneur or professional.
- Yearning for a sense of calm that you vaguely remember once having—but now feels out of reach.
- Pouring all your time into business or family, leaving you last on the list.
I’m here to tell you, from one go-getter to another: it doesn’t have to take years to move from “barely managing” to genuinely thriving. A Therapy Intensive condenses the work so you can see true, internal shifts in a fraction of the time.
I Get It—You’ve Tried Everything (But Still Feel Stuck)
With old baggage cleared and fresh momentum, watch your confidence rise, your relationships flourish, and your goals become reality.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Newfound Freedom
We’ll wrap with a personalized integration plan—practical steps, resources, or follow-up sessions—to ensure your growth continues long after you leave.
Step 4: Post-Intensive Integration
Immerse yourself in deep, uninterrupted therapy sessions using EMDR or Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Move through targeted exercises that help rewire your mindset, process traumas or stuck narratives, and lay the foundation for genuine healing.
Step 3: Your In-Person (Or Virtual) Intensive
Once you book, you’ll fill out a thorough intake form to pinpoint focus areas. You’ll also receive a customized intensive workbook and resources so you’re ready to dive in upon arrival.
Step 2: Intake & Preparation
We’ll hop on a quick call to understand where you’re at, what you’d love to achieve, and whether an Intensive is the right fit.
Step 1: Free 15-Minute Consultation
Here's How it Works
Michelle’s responses, insight, and recommendations are always very forward thinking and realistic. Even if it’s “I totally hear what you’re saying. But one thing I thought of was while you were talking was… or what it we looked at it from this perspective…” helping hold up a no judgement but productive mirror.
"Michelle is a great active listener, empathetic, non judgmental, and responds like a real human and not a therapy robot."
Colleague and therapist
Someone who will support you and cheer you on, but also call you out when you are getting in your own way. She has a way of really listening deeply and asking the right questions at the right time. Therapists aren’t mind-readers, but Michelle is about as close as you can get. She is smart and intuitive and really dedicated to her clients.
"Michelle is like the wise best friend you wish you had."
SS
Michelle seems to get to the point without all the skirting around. Michelle can smell bullshit pretty quickly and really gets to the root of people.
"What I appreciate in a therapist is someone direct, not awkward or shy with me, and honest."
Caroll G.
She gives good insight and it's refreshing to hear a different perspective when I can't get out of my own headspace of stubbornness. I am incredibly grateful for her guidance and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled therapist.
"When I talk with Michelle, I feel empowered and supported."
Coaching client
She is both professional and warm, she listens intently and gives you a wealth of knowledge that you can take and use in your life. She makes you feel empowered to make positive change. I highly recommend her, for anyone who is seeking help.
"Michelle has the gift of a true healer."
A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date, with the balance due just before the intensive begins. I also offer flexible payment options for those looking to split the cost into manageable installments.
Dedicated and scheduled time just for you over 2 half days.
$5,050
14-hour intensive
Dedicated and scheduled time just for you over 2 half days.
$4,000
11-Hour Intensive
Dedicated and scheduled time just for you over 1 full day or multiple days.
$2,900
8-hour intensive
Because every client’s needs are unique, I offer customized Therapy Intensives designed to address your specific goals and challenges. Below is a general guideline to help you plan for this life-changing experience:
Pricing & Investment
I’m here to ensure that every step of this transformative journey is clear, focused, and deeply rewarding. If you have any questions about pricing, payments, or customizing your own retreat experience in Santa Monica, feel free to reach out.
Your Mental Health and Personal Growth are an Investment
My guarantee
I specialize in working with high-achieving women and trauma survivors, focusing on challenges like perfectionism, anxiety, depression, grief, and childhood trauma. My approach is a blend of professional expertise and deep personal understanding, ensuring my clients feel supported as they take meaningful steps toward growth and change.
In addition to my clinical work, I hold certifications in trauma-focused care and grief counseling and have been recognized for my innovative work with intensive therapy formats, including EMDR Intensives. I’ve had the honor of speaking at regional mental health conferences and contributing to initiatives that increase mental health access for marginalized communities.
Outside of therapy, I’m an advocate for mental health education and someone who loves diving into creative pursuits. Whether it’s reading, solving puzzles, or perfecting my nail art, I find joy in exploring new outlets. I live in Santa Monica with my family, including my twins, and cherish time spent traveling and connecting with friends.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker California 26719 & Social Worker Independent Clinical License Washington LW 61440116
- Specialized Training in Trauma-Focused Care
- Certified Grief Informed Professional
- Certification as a Women’s Mental Health Specialist
- Contributor to Community Mental Health Initiatives for Marginalized Populations
- University of Riverside Bachelor of Psychology; California State University Long Beach Master of Social Work Thesis: Perceived Effects on Intimate and Peer Relationships of Adult Children of Lesbians
- Advanced Training in Working with LGBTQIA+ Communities
certifications, Titles & Achievements
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Trained in EMDR and ART
Hi! I'm Michelle Parrella
I've Got the Answers
You’ll get a post-Intensive plan so you don’t lose traction. If you want ongoing support, I offer individual sessions (in-person or virtual), but many clients just need a few follow-up sessions to maintain momentum.
What happens afterward?
I operate out-of-network for most insurance plans. Many high-achievers prefer the privacy and flexibility that comes with private pay. Check with your provider about out-of-network benefits.
Is this covered by insurance?
That’s the beauty of it—you can come here just for the Intensive! Make it a weekend getaway. I’ll recommend local accommodations or potential add-on services (like massages, spa treatments, etc.) if you want that immersive retreat vibe.
What if I’m not local to Santa Monica?
Typically 6-12 hours of therapy time spread over one or two days. Some clients choose to add extra days in Santa Monica for a true wellness retreat.
How long do the Intensives last?
I'm happy to share as much or as little of the clinical research as you feel comfortable with. I’ve got the training, so you can rest assured these methods are proven, safe, and highly effective.
Do I need to know about EMDR or ART?
Whether you’re an entrepreneur fueled by ambition or a high-achiever longing for deeper satisfaction, these intensives are designed to give you the fast, transformative results you crave. Let’s replace the stress, heaviness, and overthinking with a renewed sense of possibility, clarity, and wholeness. If you feel the spark—don’t ignore it. Book your Therapy Intensive and experience just how quickly life can change when you commit to your own breakthrough.