Dorlee Michaeli
About Me
I Know What It’s Like to Have High Expectations—And Feel the Weight of It All

Many of my clients are high achievers who juggle multiple roles while carrying stress, anxiety, or unresolved emotions from the past. I get it.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—military service member, market researcher, wife, mother, lifelong student, and therapist. I know the pressures of trying to balance personal growth, career ambitions, and family life—all while wondering if you’re doing enough or if you’re on the right path.

I also understand what it’s like to navigate major life and career transitions, from shifting professional identities to redefining relationships and personal priorities. These experiences inform the work I do today—helping people like you find clarity, emotional balance, and fulfillment.

📌 If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or like you’re constantly striving but never quite at peace, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it alone either.

The Impact of Past Experiences— Even When You Don’t Realize It

Many of my clients tell me: “I don’t think I’ve been through trauma, but I still struggle with self-doubt, perfectionism, or anxiety.”

The truth is, past experiences—whether big, obvious traumas or subtle, cumulative stressors—shape how we think, feel, and relate to others.

✔     Maybe you grew up feeling like you had to prove your worth through achievement.
✔     Maybe you learned to prioritize others’ needs over your own, making it hard to set boundaries.
✔     Maybe life feels “fine” on the outside, but internally, you feel stuck or disconnected from yourself.

I specialize in helping people untangle the emotional patterns that no longer serve them, so they can move forward with more confidence, self-compassion, and balance.

Healing Is About Growth—Not Just Looking Back

In therapy, we don’t just talk about the past—we explore how it’s showing up for you today and how we can create a path forward that feels more fulfilling.

✔     If perfectionism, anxiety, or self-doubt are holding you back, we can work together to release those patterns.
✔     If you’re facing a major life transition and feel uncertain about the next step, I can help you navigate that change with clarity and confidence.
✔     If you’re struggling with chronic stress or emotional overwhelm, I’ll help you develop tools to feel more grounded and at peace.

Why I Do This Work

My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t just professional—it was personal.

Experiencing both sides of the therapy process has given me a deep appreciation for what it means to heal, grow, and regain a sense of self. I’ve seen firsthand how unpacking past experiences, shifting self-beliefs, and learning new ways to navigate life’s challenges can create powerful change.

That’s why I’m passionate about helping others do the same.

📌 Therapy isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about reconnecting with who you truly are, without the weight of anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional exhaustion holding you back.

My Approach and training

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York, New Jersey, and Chicago, Illinois, providing online therapy to help people find relief from stress, anxiety, and past emotional burdens.

My background includes:
✔     Master of Social Work – New York University, Silver School of Social Work
✔     MBA in Marketing – Fordham University (helping me understand the pressures high achievers face)
✔     Postgraduate Certificate in Psychoanalytic Therapy – Training Institute for Mental Health
✔     Certificate in Advanced Clinical Training – New York University
✔     Certificate in Financial Social Work – Center for Financial Social Work
✔     Certified in EMDR Therapy (a highly effective method for processing trauma and anxiety in a structured, supportive way)

I take an integrative approach to therapy, blending deep insight-oriented work with practical tools to help clients find relief, clarity, and confidence.

Life Outside the Therapy Room

Therapy is about finding balance, and I believe in practicing what I encourage my clients to do—prioritizing self-care in a way that feels nourishing, not like another obligation.

Outside the office, I love spending time with my husband and family, playing board and card games, reading, and watching movies. I find that laughter, creativity, and connection are just as important to healing as the deep work we do in therapy.

I also practice meditation, restorative yoga, and occasionally take art classes—activities that help me slow down, stay present, and recharge.

I’m passionate about continuous learning and deepening my understanding of how people heal. That’s why I’m currently pursuing a Certificate in Psychoanalysis, further expanding my ability to support clients in meaningful, lasting ways.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If any part of my story resonates with you, I want you to know—you don’t have to navigate this alone.

I offer online therapy for clients in New York, New Jersey, and Chicago, Illinois. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to support you.

Let’s explore how we can work together.