Our Team
Michelle Jones, LCSW
she/her
AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist
Clinical Lead and Education Coordinator
Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience serving adults. She specializes in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, emotion management, relationship issues, and sexual concerns.
Specialties:
Mental Health: Expertise in managing anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation concerns.
Relationships: Utilizing the Gottman Method to address relationship and couples issues.
Sex Therapy: AASECT-certified and sex-positive, specializing in desire discrepancies, lack of desire/ pleasure/ orgasm, low sexual self-esteem, sex after cancer, sex for older adults, sexual concerns in LGBTQIA+ relationships, erectile dysfunction, and compulsive sexual behavior. Michelle does not specialize in or work with clients whose sexual concerns are related to illegal behavior. She also does not specialize in all areas of sexual concerns, so referral options for other providers may be provided.
*** Please note: As licensed mental health professionals, we provide therapeutic support through conversation and education only. There is no physical or sexual interaction involved in sex therapy sessions.
Why Choose Michelle?
Michelle believes that therapy is a place for acceptance, compassion, growth, and change. She employs mindfulness-based, trauma-informed, and compassion-focused approaches, alongside Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and the Gottman Method, to support you in your journey.
Client Focus:
Michelle is dedicated to helping adults navigate their mental health and relational challenges. She provides specialized sex therapy, addressing issues such as lack of desire, orgasm difficulties, sex after trauma, and erectile dysfunction. If your needs fall outside her specialties, she will refer you to a suitable provider.
Inclusive and Affirming:
Michelle is committed to providing inclusive, sex-positive, and affirming care, ensuring a supportive and understanding environment for all clients.
Therapeutic Approach:
Michelle believes that effective therapy leads to inner peace, balance, and fulfillment. She emphasizes goal-oriented therapy, expecting mutual effort to achieve meaningful progress. Personal and relational work can be challenging but is essential for living the life you desire.
In addition to providing therapy to her clients, Michelle is also the Clinical Lead and Education Coordinator for our practice. In this role, Michelle provides clinical supervision to other therapists, develops educational resources for the practice, and oversees important areas of clinical growth for Life Balance that benefit both our team and our clients.
Madeline Pelc, LPC, CCTP
she/her
Clinician
** Madeline is not accepting new or returning clients
Madeline is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Clinical Trauma Treatment Professional with a focus on helping clients navigate trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative therapy experience, empowering you to create lasting positive change.
Specialties:
Trauma Recovery: Expert support for overcoming past traumas and building resilience.
Depression and Anxiety: Managing symptoms and improving emotional well-being.
Relationship Concerns: Enhancing interpersonal connections and resolving conflicts.
Stress and Life Transitions: Providing tools to cope with stress and adapt to life changes.
Why Choose Madeline?
Madeline’s commitment to a strong therapeutic relationship is built on trust and empathy. She empowers you to develop practical skills for navigating life’s struggles, breaking down barriers to a more fulfilling life, and finding joy in your daily experiences. Her collaborative approach ensures you feel supported every step of the way.
Client Focus:
Madeline works with individuals from middle adolescence through middle adulthood, guiding them to gain practical tools and insights. She is passionate about helping her clients overcome challenges, achieve personal growth, and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
Inclusive and Affirming:
Madeline, like all therapists at Life Balance, is LGBTQIA+ affirming and dedicated to providing inclusive and affirming care in all aspects of treatment.
Sara Scarberry, LPC
she/her
Clinician
Sara is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a strong background in helping individuals facing relational and personal challenges. She is dedicated to providing an open and respectful environment where clients can explore their thoughts and experiences with honesty and insight.
Specialties:
Neurodivergent Affirming: Sara’s direct and honest approach tends to resonate well with neurodivergent individuals who seek a therapist that provides straightforward and authentic communication. She creates a supportive environment and fosters clarity and self-acceptance.
Trauma Recovery: Helping clients navigate past trauma with a focus on understanding and building resilience.
Sexual Health and Intimacy: Addressing low libido, desire issues, sexual dysfunction, pain during sex, and problematic use of pornography with a sex-positive approach. Sara does not specialize in or work with clients whose sexual concerns are related to illegal behavior. She also does not specialize in all areas of sexual concerns, so referral options for other providers may be provided.
*** Please note: As licensed mental health professionals, we provide therapeutic support through conversation and education only. There is no physical or sexual interaction involved in sex therapy sessions.
Relationship Dynamics: Addressing relational challenges with a focus on communication and developing healthier interpersonal patterns.
Self-Discovery and Identity: Supporting individuals in exploring their sense of self and building confidence in their unique identity.
Why Choose Sara?
Sara’s approach is caring, insightful, and grounded in a commitment to helping clients understand the impact of their thoughts and emotions on their lives. She helps clients develop resilience, confidence, and a deeper understanding of themselves. Sara works best with individuals who appreciate a straightforward , authentic approach and are ready to explore their inner world through an honest, reflective process.
Client Focus:
Sara works with adolescents and adults, guiding them through painful experiences from their past, personal challenges, and toward thriving in their lives and relationships. She is passionate about empowering her clients to lead fulfilling lives.
Inclusive and Affirming:
Sara, along with all therapists at Life Balance, is LGBTQIA+ affirming and committed to inclusive care.
Tracey DeSantis, LCSW
she/her
Clinician
Tracey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys working with teens and adults, with a special focus on women's mental health. She is dedicated to helping individuals navigate grief and loss, life transitions, self-esteem issues, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, Tracey provides specialized support for new moms and women experiencing maternal mental health challenges.
Specialties:
Grief and Loss: Compassionate support for navigating the complexities of grief.
Life Transitions: Helping clients adapt to and thrive through significant changes.
Self-Esteem: Empowering individuals to build confidence and self-worth.
Depression and Anxiety: Managing symptoms and enhancing emotional well-being.
Maternal Mental Health: Supporting new moms and women through the challenges of motherhood.
Why Choose Tracey?
Tracey’s approach is rooted in compassion and empathy. She prioritizes building rapport and trust with her clients, ensuring you feel heard and supported as you work on your personal goals. She fosters a therapeutic environment where you can confidently address and improve the areas of your life you wish to change.
Client Focus:
Tracey works with teens and adults, with a particular emphasis on women's mental health. She is passionate about guiding her clients through life's challenges, helping them achieve personal growth, and supporting them in leading fulfilling lives.
Inclusive and Affirming:
Tracey, like all therapists at Life Balance, is LGBTQIA+ affirming and committed to providing inclusive and affirming care in all aspects of treatment.
Tracey is currently working on completing her clinical hours to become a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy Professional (CDBT), enhancing her ability to provide specialized DBT services.
Lizzie Plyler, LPC
she/her
Clinician
Lizzie is an LGBTQIA+ and relationship minority affirming therapist who is dedicated to helping you live authentically and fully in all areas of your life. With a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective, Lizzie uses a blend of CBT, DBT, solution-focused, and existential approaches to support you in making meaningful changes.
Specialties:
LGBTQIA+ Concerns: Addressing issues related to gender identity, sexuality, and sexual identity.
Relationship Minorities: Supporting consensual/ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, and open relationships.
Mental Health: Experienced in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and self-harm.
Life Challenges: Assisting with grief, self-esteem, stress, life transitions, and women's issues.
Why Choose Lizzie?
Lizzie’s superpower lies in her ability to express genuine validation and compassion while holding her clients accountable. She believes in showing up authentically for her clients, encouraging you to do the same in your life. Lizzie’s approach is collaborative and empowering, ensuring you feel supported as you dive deep to tackle your challenges together.
Client Focus:
Lizzie loves working with clients on LGBTQIA+ related concerns, various relationship types, and those navigating mental health struggles. She is passionate about creating a safe space where you can explore your identity, address your concerns, and find your place in the world.
Inclusive and Affirming:
Lizzie is committed to providing inclusive and affirming care for all clients, ensuring a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and understood.
A Message from Lizzie:
"Let's dive in, get at the root, and tackle it together. You do not have to be alone in this. There IS a space for you in this world, including and especially here."
Hope Collins, LSW
she/her
Clinician
Hope is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who specializes in providing neurodivergent-aligned and informed care. With a focus on adult women and teens over 14, Hope is committed to offering a supportive and inclusive environment where clients can explore their emotions and challenges and work towards healing and growth.
Specialties:
Trauma Recovery: Providing compassionate support for individuals navigating past trauma and building resilience.
Body Acceptance: Encouraging a positive relationship with one's body and fostering self-acceptance.
Grief and Loss: Assisting clients through the complexities of grief and loss.
Relationships and Life Transitions: Supporting clients as they navigate changes in relationships and major life events.
Depression and Anxiety: Helping clients understand and manage the effects of depression and anxiety, while building coping skills to foster emotional well-being and resilience.
Emotion Regulation: Empowering clients with tools to manage and express emotions in healthy, productive ways.
Why Choose Hope?
Hope’s clients appreciate her friendly, relatable nature and her ability to create a space where clients feel understood and supported. She takes the work of sitting with clients in their vulnerabilities seriously, approaching each individual with openness, curiosity, and respect.
Client Focus:
Hope works with adult women and teens over 14, supporting them through trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and more. She is passionate about helping clients gain confidence in themselves and overcome obstacles to lead more fulfilling lives.
Inclusive and Affirming:
Hope is dedicated to providing neurodivergent-aligned care and is LGBTQIA+ affirming. She ensures that every client feels valued, respected, and accepted, offering an inclusive therapeutic space where individuals can explore their identities and experiences freely.
Supervision:
Hope is currently supervised by Michelle Jones, LCSW
Claire Lichtenwalter, LSW
she/her
Clinician
Claire is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who takes a strengths-based approach to therapy. She is committed to helping teens and young adult women navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-compassion. Claire provides a welcoming space for clients to explore and build on their inner strengths.
Specialties:
Depression and Anxiety: Offering support to manage symptoms and create emotional balance.
Trauma Recovery: Guiding clients through their healing journey with compassion and understanding.
Emotion Regulation: Assisting clients in developing strategies to navigate and express their emotions effectively.
Self-Harm: Providing a safe space to explore harm-reduction and coping mechanisms.
Life Transitions: Helping clients adapt to new phases of life, whether in school, relationships, or personal growth.
Body Acceptance: Encouraging self-acceptance and a positive relationship with one’s body.
Why Choose Claire?
Claire is known for her relatable, down-to-earth style, making it easy for clients to feel comfortable and open in her presence. She believes in highlighting each individual’s strengths, helping them see their own potential as they work through difficult emotions and experiences. Claire’s approach is grounded in empathy and respect, allowing clients to explore their concerns at their own pace.
Client Focus:
Claire primarily works with teens and young adult women, offering support tailored to the unique challenges they face. She is passionate about empowering her clients to make positive changes, develop resilience, and navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence.
Inclusive and Affirming:
Claire is LGBTQIA+ affirming and is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all clients. She ensures that everyone feels valued, respected, and safe to express their authentic selves in therapy.
Supervision:
Claire is currently supervised by Michelle Jones, LCSW
Marlo Torrelli, LPC, CDBT, CCATP
she/her
Owner/Director
*Not currently accepting new or returning clients *
Marlo is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Clinical Anxiety Treatment, and Couples and Family Counseling. She specializes in a variety of treatment areas, including women's mental health and wellness, self-harm, shame resilience, Borderline Personality Disorder, teens/ young adults, the Highly Sensitive trait (HSP/ HSC), depression, anxiety, and couples/ family concerns. She also maintains significant involvement with the LGBTQIA community in both advocacy and professional capacities.
Marlo founded Life Balance Counseling and Wellness in 2017 after several years in private practice. Life Balance’s mission is to provide a validating and compassionate environment where individuals and families can build on strengths, make positive changes, and reach their fullest potential. While Marlo is no longer accepting new or returning clients, she will continue to serve Life Balance’s mission as Owner and Administrative Director.