About our caring team
At Empowering Minds Counseling in Vernal, Utah, our dedicated clinicians walk alongside you with empathy, clinical expertise, and genuine care. We are committed to supporting individuals and families across the lifespan as you discover healing and lasting resilience.
Collaborative and trauma-informed care
We believe meaningful therapy begins with a foundation of trust and safety. Our approach is entirely client-centered and trauma-informed, ensuring you feel heard, respected, and actively involved in every step of your healing process. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all plan, our clinicians partner with you to navigate life's challenges with compassion and confidence.
Specialized care across every stage of life
Our clinical team offers tailored support for children, adolescents, and adults. Depending on your clinician's specialized background, we provide evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), play therapy, sand tray therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). We specialize in supporting clients working through trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and relational challenges.
Rooted in the Vernal community
As local mental health professionals, we share a deep passion for Vernal and a true understanding of the unique strengths and needs of our community. We take pride in cultivating an accessible, welcoming space where neighbors, friends, and families can find solace, build inner strength, and cultivate healthier relationships.
Meet our team
Behind every service we provide is a dedicated team of professionals, each bringing their unique expertise and enthusiasm to our business.
Michelle Smith
CMHC, RPT, NCC
Mental Health Counselor | Trauma & Neurodivergence Specialist | Disability Advocate
Michelle Smith, holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is the owner of Empowering Minds Counseling in Vernal, UT. She is also a National Certified Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist. With over a decade of experience working with the Department of Services for People with Disabilities, Michelle brings deep knowledge and a long-standing commitment to supporting individuals with complex needs.
Michelle specializes in trauma, neurodivergence, traumatic brain injuries and disability-related concerns. With extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, Michelle provides compassionate, individualized care tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Using a strengths-based and healing-centered approach, Michelle integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), play therapy, EMDR, and other evidence-based modalities to support emotional healing and self-discovery. Passionate about advocacy, she strives to create an inclusive, affirming space where clients with disabilities feel understood and empowered.
Michelle is committed to helping individuals navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster self-compassion. Whether addressing life transitions, sensory sensitivities, or the intersection of mental health and disability, her goal is to support clients in living fulfilling and authentic lives.
Nerak Favers
Master of Social Work Intern (MSWI)
Nerak holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Westminster University and is currently completing her Master of Social Work at Utah State University. With a strong clinical background supporting children, adolescents, and family systems, she is dedicated to creating a collaborative and supportive therapeutic environment.
Nerak integrates evidence-based approaches into her practice, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is also actively pursuing advanced training in specialized expressive modalities, including play therapy and sand tray therapy, to best meet the unique developmental needs of her clients.
Get in touch
Our office
Empowering Minds Counseling
89 W Main St, Vernal, Utah 84078
Phone: 435-277-0228
Email: empoweringmindsvernal@gmail.com
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