Meet Our Team
Mishale Ann Rede Ballinger, LPCC, PPSC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) #15646 with Personnel Services Credential (PPSC), CYT-200
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Clients/Groups/Communities I work with: I support children, teens, couples, poly relationships, families, groups, communities, and more. I am continually unlearning, dismantling, and doing the work to be a trauma informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, anti-racist, and culturally humble clinical counselor.
Challenges & Obstacles I Work With: Communication, emotional intimacy, self-worth, emotional dysregulation, parenting/caregiver challenges, family or relational conflict, boundary setting, unhelpful thinking patterns, substance misuse and addiction, teen specific challenges, sexual abuse/disaster/other trauma and stress related disorders, trauma and toxic stress, anxiety, and depression.
Life Changes & Opportunities I Work With: Parenting a teen, partner separation, self-exploration and discovers, questioning sexuality, family support for LGBTQ+ children/teens questioning, transitioning and affirming identify, exploring future opportunities including career, travel, starting a new adventure and going to college.
Professional Style
I have spent my life preparing to be a therapist. Whether it was trying to figure out what to do with my own pain, supporting those I love, or studying clinical counseling, it is my life’s purpose. I support people while they are trying to create their best life possible, and I want them to know they are not alone. Life is full of beautiful discoveries, personal progress, and finding one’s magic! Also, we face conflict, big emotions and personal battles. I deeply enjoy supporting children, teens, young adults, women of all ages, and families through this significant and challenging process.
In therapy, I offer the integration of mindful strategies and encourage people to find the ways in which they feel safe expressing themselves (talking, art, movement, music, nature, writing, etc.). We will get creative about building healthy relaxation and coping skills that feel good to you. We will explore ways in which staying physically and mentally healthy are deeply connected. In this safe environment, we will collaboratively challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, use cognitive coping strategies, and explore the complex layers of “feeling stuck”. The goal is to help you be empowered to create the life you deserve.
Trainings & Certifications
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) (2020)
Certified Sexual Health Educator (2012)
200-Certified Yoga Instructor (2017)
Interests
Nature, Movement, Art, Nutrition, and Yoga integrated wellness planning
Foster Youth and Adoption Child and Family Support
Body Empowerment, Consent, and Healthy SexualityLGBTQI+ Youth and Family Support
Social Justice & Activism
In-School Trainings for Staff and Students
Specialties
Yoga and Mindfulness Integrated Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Trauma Focused Sexual Health, Boundaries and Body Positive Counseling
Parenting Support
Health and Wellness Counseling
2006
Double Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology and Social Behavior; Criminology, Law and Society : University of California, Irvine
2010
Masters in Counseling: Sonoma State University
2010
Pupil Personnel Services Credential, School Counseling
2020
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), California #APCC8007
Empowerment
Being in ones' power.
Whew! What a journey. It takes support, vulnerability and strength. When I am in nature, with those I love, and doing something I enjoy, I feel empowered! Healthy coping techniques allow us to find release; to let go of the parts of our lives that are holding us back. Learning to express emotions, and identify what we need, can be life changing. When we feel safe expressing our feelings and experiences, we can seek understanding, face our fears, heal our trauma, and, ultimately, overcome the obstacles to our success and joy. You will benefit immensely once you discover the practices and strategies that help you breathe freely and move toward the life you want. I am here to help you do just that!
Healing
I look back on my life and from the time I was very young I remember wanting to help people feel good and live with ease. It is at the core of who I am. Seeing so many people struggle and suffer really fueled my passion to help others find healing and personal strength. First, I had to look inward. I continue to reflect on my own process of healing, so that I can show up for others genuinely, with compassion, and as a solid partner in this journey.
It can be overwhelming when we begin to explore the ways in which our family, culture, and society have influenced our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and circumstances. In turn, we get a deeper understanding of how we became who we are. We will build on the parts of your life’s story, practices, rituals, and habits that are supporting your well-being, and create new where there is room for improvement. All of this can be a little scary, but you do not have to do it alone.
Connection
Who are you in a relationship with? Where do you go to feel a sense of connection, belonging, or joy? What do you love to do, or feel passionate about? For me, the answers are… family, friends, community... the beach, my front yard in the sunshine with my family, any yoga space, and dancing in the rain… my family, social justice, helping others, and staying healthy.
Feeling connected to people and passionate about something is what makes the human experience unique and special, but it is not always easy. Relationships are unique, complex, and affect our lives in so many ways. They can be a great source of support and fun, but they can also be a source of pain. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, or maybe you are just in a transition, it can be hard to know what you feel connected to. Once you create respectful and flourishing relationships, discover the spaces you feel you belong, and spark your interests, life will look and feel a whole lot better.