Mikhel A. Kushner, JD, MSW, LMSW
She/They
About Mikhel
Mikhel brings a unique and diverse background to her role as a psychotherapist at Restorative Strategies. With an MSW earned in 1998 and a JD obtained in 2008, Mikhel’s career has spanned social work, law, and now psychotherapy. This rich professional history informs her holistic approach to mental health care.
Specializing in working with women and FTM emerging adults and professionals in their 20s through 50s, Mikhel is particularly attuned to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and those exploring queer themes in their life stories. She’s also a strong ally to BIPOC individuals. Mikhel’s areas of expertise include stress management, family/partner conflict, institutional betrayal, career/life transitions, trauma, PTSD/C-PTSD, narcissistic abuse recovery, and sex & gender-based violence. Her approach is trauma-informed and holistic, incorporating client-centered, strengths-based, solution-focused, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral strategies tailored to each client’s needs.
Professional Experience
Mikhel’s diverse professional background enriches her therapeutic practice. Her experience in law, particularly in areas related to Title IX and workplace investigations, provides a unique perspective on institutional dynamics and their impact on mental health. Mikhel has also worked extensively in social justice and advocacy roles, informing her approach to therapy with a strong emphasis on empowerment and social context.
Outside the Office
Mikhel’s passion for holistic wellbeing extends beyond her professional life. She enjoys vegan cooking, finding it a meditative and nurturing practice. Hiking with her dogs and kayaking allow her to connect with nature and find balance. Mikhel is also an avid gardener, finding joy in nurturing growth both in her garden and in her therapeutic practice. Her experiences living in the Caribbean for three years and taking solo cross-country road trips with her rescue dogs reflect her adventurous spirit and openness to new experiences.
Areas of Expertise
Anxiety and Depression
PTSD/C-PTSD
Stress Management
Family/Partner Conflict
Title IX and Institutional Betrayal
Career and Life Transitions
LGBTQ+ Issues
Therapeutic Approaches
Trauma-Informed Holistic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy
Strengths-Based Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Techniques
Cognitive Behavioral Strategies
Client Focus
Adults (18-65 years old)
Women and FTM emerging adults/professionals (20s-50s)
LGBTQ+ individuals
BIPOC-allied
Education and Certifications
Juris Doctor (JD) from University of Baltimore School of Law
Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Maryland School of Social Work
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Certified Workplace Investigator (AWI-CH)
Certified Title IX Coordinator and Investigator (ATIXA)
Certified Yoga Teacher – 200 hour training (CYT-200)
Integrative Health Coach (IIN)
Insurance Accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Schedule an Appointment
Ready to start your journey with Mikhel? Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services