I love doing therapy with individuals who muster the courage to seek counseling.  I love working with intuitive and empathic or Highly Sensitive (HSP) clients.  If you are someone who has a lot of "Mirror Neurons" and often picks up on the emotions of others, or other things in your environment more than most, I am happy to help, as well as give you a scientific explanation behind your talents.  I am here to take the time to build trust and listen to your fears and concerns.  

I understand HSP's and Empaths and have dedicated years of research on how to best support you in healing.  Because our (yes our, I'm one of you), the central nervous system is unique, combining more classic therapy techniques along with energy psychology, and psychoeducation about how to navigate life as an empath on your healing journey can be life-changing.

Being an Empath or HSP is not a mental disorder.  ​However, there are real challenges that come with being so empathetic. Empaths often feel misunderstood because of how deeply they feel. They can also become overwhelmed easily as they juggle all the emotions they experience — from themselves and others.

As an empath myself, I know there are just certain struggles only other empaths can fully understand. Here are 14 of them. Can you relate?

Ensuring we are a good fit is important to me.   I value and respect vulnerability and authenticity.  It is important for me to take the time to understand who you are and how life has shaped the way you see the world.   My hope is that my clients feel supported in their purpose.  I see therapy as a collaborative process between client and counselor, each with different areas of expertise.  I lean towards an integrative and intuitive approach and customize each person's experience with your goals.  I rely on research to identify what works and I have long been fascinated by merging the creative intuitive art of therapy with the science of therapy. 

​Intuitive counseling: I use my intuitive abilities to gain insight into a client's thoughts and emotions beyond what is said in verbal communication. This can help clients gain a deeper understanding of their own feelings and motivations.

Every day I'm full of gratitude because I absolutely love my job.  I get to spend every day working with amazing people and feel honored to be a part of their healing journey. 

My Experience
I am a licensed mental health counselor and a nationally certified counselor. In 2005 I completed a master’s degree in professional counseling from Texas State University with a concentration in Individual Adult and Marriage and Family counseling.  When I am not at work I can often be found painting a canvas, sipping tea or reading.

I started out my counseling career by providing counseling to Hurricane Katrina survivors in Austin, TX.  After that, I co-founded and coordinated the Hope for Heroes program providing integrative counseling services to Military service members and their families in Central Texas. Once I returned home to Iowa, I began working at Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center as a counselor and as the Director of Clinical Services. In September 2015, I started Luminous Hope Counseling.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT Michele Lundstrom, MA, NCC, LMHC