Meet Michelle Drago
MSW, LCSW
Supporting Children, Teenagers, and Young Adults in North Carolina
When children feel understood, they begin to thrive.
Big feelings can show up in many ways, including anxiety, meltdowns, withdrawal, perfectionism, or changes in behavior. Behind those behaviors is often a child who simply needs support, understanding, and the right tools.
Together, we'll help your child build emotional awareness, confidence, and healthy coping skills so they can face challenges with resilience and feel more like themselves again.
Hi, I’m Michelle
I'm so glad you're here. Childhood and the teen years can be full of big emotions, unexpected challenges, and seasons that feel overwhelming for both kids and their families. My passion is helping children and teens better understand themselves, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to navigate life with resilience.
I believe therapy should feel engaging, supportive, and even fun at times. By meeting each child where they are, I create a space where they can grow, heal, and discover the strengths that have been within them all along.
Meet Maple Spice, Michelle’s Certified Therapy Dog
Maple Spice is a Certified Therapy Dog through Four Paws & Wake Up – NC Canine Services, and together we form an Animal-Assisted Therapy team. In our sessions, Maple helps support the therapeutic process by offering comfort, connection, and calm through intentional human-animal interaction.
Maple has a gentle way of meeting children exactly where they are. Some days that means curling up beside them for a quiet cuddle, and other days it means bringing a little playfulness and laughter into the room. She seems to have a special sense for when a child needs comfort, connection, or simply a calm companion by their side.
Every therapy dog needs a break, and Maple's favorite retreat is the cozy fort she's made underneath the office couch. If you can't find her, that's probably the first place to look. Outside of work, Maple loves playing with her dog friends, couch lounging with mom, and running errands, especially if they include a trip to her favorite pet store.
A Tribute to Roxy
Before Maple came along, my work began with Roxy — my first therapy dog, the heart of Embark, and the inspiration for all we do. Roxy had a calm, nurturing spirit and loved cozy naps under her favorite blanket. She helped countless clients feel safe, understood, and less alone. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in every therapy session and in the comfort Maple now brings. Roxy will always be remembered as Embark Counseling’s original four-legged partner in healing..
My Approach
Therapist with me is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to the unique needs of each child and teen. I believe healing happens when children feel understood, supported, and empowered to explore their emotions in a way that feels comfortable for them. Using a blend of creativity, evidence-based approaches, and practical coping strategies, I help children build confidence, strengthen emotional regulation, and navigate life's challenges with resilience.
As an EMDR-trained and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) certified therapist, I help children and teens process difficult experiences, reduce the impact of trauma and anxiety, and develop the skills they need to thrive. I also believe parents and caregivers are an important part of the healing process, and I partner closely with families to support lasting growth beyond the therapy room.
My areas of specialty include anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression, grief, life transitions, emotional regulation, self-esteem, school-related concerns, family conflict, and stress management.
Education & Credentials
NC LCSW License #: C012652
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: West Virginia University
Master of Social Work: Boston University
TF-CBT & EMDR-trained