Hi, I’m Ethany Michaud, LCSW
(she/her)
I want you to know you’re not in this alone.
My FIRST goal is always to create a space for my clients to be themselves and heal. First and foremost, I want to ensure that my clients feel heard, understood and safe in my care. It would be an honor if you would allow me to walk with you in your journey toward your healthier self!
If this resonates, you’re in the right place.
I’m a licensed therapist in Indianapolis, Indiana, and I help adults untangle the overwhelm of life.
My style is warm and collaborative. I’m not here to analyze you from a distance—I’m here to really get to know you, and to walk with you as you figure out what healing looks like in your real life. I will laugh with you, cry with you even sometimes, and be fully present for you. I’m not here to tell you what to do. I’m here to help you reach what YOUR goals are. I believe that you are the only expert of your own life and I’m simply a mirror to help you see more of it and navigate through it.
My Background, Training, and Therapy Style
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I earned my Master’s degree in social work from Indiana University Indianapolis. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-therapist).
I offer both in-person in Indianapolis and online therapy for adults across the states of Indiana, Ohio and Florida.
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I have over 15 years of experience supporting individuals through major life traumas.
Early in my career, I worked in group homes for cognitively disabled adults, eventually transitioning to working with high needs foster families. From there, I moved to working in schools downtown Indianapolis with adolescents. Next, I completed my training as a dual-diagnosis (addiction and mental health) therapist, moving into addiction clinics in Indy. And now since 2020, I have had the opportunity to work in private practice and hone my skills as a dual-diagnosis therapist, treating both addiction and the underlying cause of it.
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I believe that true healing requires more than just talking about our problems. To help you move out of survival mode, I integrate several evidence-based and innovative modalities tailored to your specific needs.
The "Bottom-Up" Path: Healing the Nervous System
These methods go beyond language to reach the parts of the brain where trauma, stress, and "autopilot" loops are physically stored.
Brainspotting: A focused treatment that identifies specific eye positions (brainspots) to process and release core neurophysiological sources of emotional and physical pain.
Somatic Work: We focus on your body’s internal sensations to help you release the physical bracing and tension caused by years of high-functioning anxiety or PTSD.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): In collaboration with Integrative MLA, we use this breakthrough treatment to create a window of neuroplasticity, allowing your brain to form new, healthier pathways.
The "Top-Down" Path: Tools for Daily Life
Once we have calmed the physical "alarm" in your body, we use these practical frameworks to help you navigate your thoughts and relationships.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Instead of fighting your thoughts, we learn to accept them while staying committed to the values that actually matter to you.
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Skills: I provide concrete tools for distress tolerance and emotional regulation, helping you stay grounded when life feels overwhelming.
EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy): We look at your "attachment" patterns to understand how you connect with others and how to create deeper, safer intimacy in your relationships.
A few fun things about me:
I’m an Indiana native, born and raised!
I’m a human first, a partner, a dog/cat mom, a friend, and a recovered anxiously attached girl. I’m literally just a girl.
I love theatre. I serve on a board for a non-profit theatre company in downtown Indianapolis and I LOVE it. It brings so much joy into my life. Occasionally, I do land on a stage here and there in my spare time.
All 4 of our pets are named after Star Wars characters. Some are deeper dives than others! Kix, Revan, Binks and Ezra.
Meet Kix: Your Partner in Nervous System Regulation
At CCA Therapy, healing isn’t just about the words we say—it’s about how safe your body feels while you’re saying them. That’s where Kix, our resident therapy dog, comes in.
Kix isn’t just an office pet; he is an integral part of our somatic and trauma-informed approach in Indianapolis. Research shows that the presence of a trained therapy dog can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and help clients stay grounded during intense emotional processing. Whether you are navigating a difficult Brainspotting session or exploring the "raw" layers of complex grief, Kix provides a steady, non-judgmental presence that helps anchor you in the present moment.
Kix is an OPTION for everyone. While he is a trained professional who takes his job seriously, we know that not everyone is a "dog person." Your comfort is our priority. If you have allergies, a fear of dogs, or simply prefer a solo session, he can sit that one out. We are happy to accommodate your needs to ensure your therapy space feels 100% safe for you.
Let’s talk and see if therapy with me might be a good next step.
Click the link below to schedule a free 15-minute consultation or to book your intake assessment if you feel ready to go!