Hi, I'm Michelle McKinzie, LCSW, CIMHP - Lyme Coach, Integrative Therapist & Lyme Warrior (in remission)

I help resilient, heart-centered women with chronic Lyme step out of survival mode and into a grounded, empowered life where healing finally feels possible.

For years, I lived the exact struggles you’re facing — the exhaustion, the medical gaslighting, the overwhelm, the guilt, and the fear of losing yourself to the illness. I know what it’s like to navigate flares while trying to show up for your family, your work, and your life.

Today, I support women with chronic Lyme Disease in creating emotional balance, reclaiming energy, and finding a sustainable path forward — without having to figure it all out alone.

You Can Feel Safe Working With Me

I bring a unique blend of:

  • 10+ years as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)

  • Specialized training as a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP)

  • Personal experience healing from chronic Lyme, mold illness, and navigating complex treatment paths

  • Parenting and advocating for a child with chronic Lyme Disease

  • Years of supporting women emotionally, mentally, and physically on their healing journey

My approach combines the practical tools of therapy, the forward-moving momentum of coaching, and lived experience from my own healing. Women tell me they feel seen and heard — often for the first time in years.

My Lyme Story

(and why I started Balancing Life & Lyme)

When I became sick, my life shrank almost overnight. I went from working full-time and caring for my family to barely making it through the day. Like many people with chronic Lyme, I was dismissed by my doctors and misdiagnosed at first. I was feeling really low; every day seemed super tough. I just wanted to stay in bed and sleep and not have to deal with feeling totally drained, in pain, unable to think clearly.

As I fought to get answers, I realized something important:

Healing from Lyme is not just physical — it’s emotional, mental, relational, and deeply personal.

The turning point came when I stopped trying to push through and started learning how to regulate my nervous system, simplify my life, communicate my needs, and create space for true healing.

That shift changed everything.

I founded Balancing Life & Lyme so that other women don’t have to walk this path alone, confused, or overwhelmed. You need support that sees the whole you — not just your symptoms.

My Approach: The 6 Pillars of Balance

Everything I teach is grounded in my signature framework, the 6 Pillars of Balance, designed to help you rebalance your mind, emotions, and daily life so your body can finally begin to heal.

These pillars don’t replace medical treatment — they make it work better.

Who I Work With

I support women who are:

  • navigating chronic Lyme or co-infections

  • overwhelmed by the emotional + mental load of illness

  • exhausted by decision fatigue and information overload

  • struggling to balance healing, relationships, and competing priorities

  • craving structure, clarity, and support from someone who truly gets it

If this is you, you’re in the right place!

My Philosophy

Healing isn’t about pushing harder.
It’s about creating space, balance, safety, and support — so your body feels free to heal.

My work is:

  • gentle, steady, and grounding

  • trauma-informed

  • compassionate but direct

  • rooted in emotional resilience + nervous system regulation

  • offers simple, sustainable tools that support real progress without adding to your overwhelm.

  • focused on sustainable healing rather than chasing quick fixes

You don’t need perfection. You need a plan, support, and someone cheering you on.

If you’re ready to feel supported, understood, and hopeful again...

I would love to meet you! Let’s explore what you’re navigating and see whether this support is a good fit for you.