My Experience

I have experience treating anxiety, depression, work/life stress, and challenges relating to life transitions. My specialties include helping clients who are coping with weight and body image issues, chronic pain, and associated mental health concerns.

Weight and Body Image Concerns

I have worked as a bariatric nurse at the University of Washington Medical Center. Through this work I have gained a deeper understanding of the emotional challenges related to body image and weight issues, as well as the psychological and physical difficulties that accompany weight loss surgery. Therapy during the pre- and post-operative phases of the process can positively affect your likelihood of reaching your goals for weight loss and improved health and fitness. Sessions can be tailored to provide the emotional and psychological support you will need as your body undergoes significant changes, and can help to address issues that may have been masked by food- and eating-related coping mechanisms.

Pain Management

As a pain management nurse, I have been responsible for assessing, evaluating, monitoring, and planning treatment for patients’ pain. Through my experience in this field, I have learned that significant chronic pain usually has a much wider effect beyond the individual who is suffering directly. Entire networks of people are affected, including family, friends, and colleagues. Because of this, the management of chronic pain is multimodal and multidisciplinary, addressing physical, psychological, and social aspects comprehensively. Recognizing that pain interacts or interferes with one’s function in so many diverse areas of life makes it clear that effective pain management must also include treating the emotional impact of chronic pain. My sessions integrate various techniques to address the feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and desperation that often accompany the physical challenges of living with chronic pain. My goal for treatment is to help you realize what is possible, and rediscover quality of life given your particular situation and personal resources.

Michelle Punt, RN, LMHC
Email: deepwellbeing@aol.com
Phone: (206) 303-9294