Michelle Joy, MFT

01/08/2026

🌟 Honored to Return to Enneagram Las Vegas! 🌟
I’m excited to lead a full-day workshop on Relationship Skills for All 9 Enneagram Types at Enneagram Las Vegas on February 21.

This community is committed to growth, and I’m eager to share exclusive insights and frameworks from my upcoming book to help deepen the connection with self and others.

All of this work is grounded in my Developmental Enneagram for Couples™ approach—integrating differentiation, nervous system awareness, and relational growth.

In this workshop, we’ll dive into:

*Beyond Knowing Your Type: How to move past self-awareness and start transforming patterns at the root for authentic connection

*Proven Tools for Conflict Resolution: Discover how to break free from reactive habits and respond with greater presence.

*Root-Cause Insights for Individuals & Couples: Tailored strategies to tackle the core drivers of communication struggles, helping you show up more consciously in relationships.

I can’t wait to bring these transformative tools to the group and witness the breakthroughs that unfold. 🚀

Register and learn more at EnneagramLasVegas.com

01/06/2026

Many people I work with say, "We just can't communicate."

So they learn better communication techniques. Active listening. I-statements. Reflective responses. They use softer tones.

Sometimes it helps. For a little while.

But then they're right back where they started. Same fights. Same frustrations. Same feeling of not being heard.

Because they were treating the symptom, not the root cause.

The problem was never just the words they were using. The problem was that they weren't actually present when they were speaking them.

When we say "I'm fine" but we're really hurt, it's more than just communicating poorly. We're avoiding differentiation. We're hiding our truth to keep the peace.

When we say "That's bu****it" with our arms crossed and jaw clenched, it's more than communicating poorly. We're defending against vulnerability. We're armoring up because showing softness feels dangerous.

When we say "Whatever you want" while disappearing inside, it's more than communicating poorly. We're erasing ourselves to avoid conflict.

We're not actually meeting each other. Our protective patterns are colliding with each other. I see this happen every day.

Each Enneagram type has its own way of armoring up, and its own reflex that hijacks us when connection feels risky.

Real communication requires differentiation first.

Differentiation is the capacity to know what we actually think, feel, and want... separate from what our Enneagram type pattern tells us to think, feel, and want.

And then...and this is the hard part...it's the capacity to stay rooted in that truth while our partner shares theirs. Even when their truth contradicts ours. Even (and especially when) it makes us uncomfortable.

That's differentiation. And without it, we're just teaching better scripts to the same defenses.

This is why standard communication techniques often don't create lasting change. They're addressing the surface while the real work is developmental.

The relationships that transform aren't because people learn better words.
It's because they learned to stay present beneath the words, to separate from their automatic patterns and meet each other as whole people, not defended positions.

This distinction, as well as tools on how to practice this in relationships, is just some of what I explore in my upcoming book, The Developmental Enneagram for Couples. Stay tuned!

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12/03/2025

🌿 New Workshops, Trainings & Support Groups for 2026
I’m thrilled to share my upcoming offerings created to support both couples and the therapists who work with them.

These 2026 programs reflect my mission — blending the Enneagram, differentiation, neuroscience, and the Developmental Model to create meaningful growth opportunities.

Here’s what’s coming:

🧠 Therapist Trainings & Professional Development
• Infidelity Training for Therapists — March 6
• Therapist Weekend Retreat (10 CE) — March 28
• 9-Week Couples Therapy Training Group — April 8
• Enneagram Workshop for Couples’ Therapists — April 17

💬 For Couples
• 1-Day Couples Communication Workshop — April 24
• Marriage Prep 101 Workshops — Santa Cruz (May) & San Francisco (August)
• Parent Prep 101 Workshop — June 6

💛 Support Group
• Support Group for Women Healing After a Controlling Relationship — March 4

Each offering is designed to provide clear tools, relational insight, and practical frameworks that help individuals and couples move toward deeper connection, emotional steadiness, and healthier patterns.

If you’re interested in attending or sharing these with your community, feel free to reach out or visit MichelleJoyMFT.com for details.

📩 I’m always happy to answer questions or help you find the right offering for your needs.

Here’s to a meaningful and growth-filled 2026.

08/29/2025

I’m excited to share a milestone: my upcoming book, The Developmental Enneagram for Couples™, A Guide for Coaches, Therapists and Couples to Transform Conflict into Connection, scheduled to release in Spring 2026.

For almost 25 years, I’ve been blending the Enneagram with the lens of differentiation in my clinical work with couples. I’ve been teaching this approach to couples, therapists, coaches and practitioners alike, and this book is the next step in bringing that work more widely into the world.

📖 Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing sneak peeks into my step-by-step frameworks — including how Enneagram projections, defenses, arrows and differentiation all interweave into a powerful approach to transform conflict into connection.

These frameworks were forged in the fire of real relationships and practice — shaped through sitting with couples in thousands of conversations, ruptures, and breakthroughs.

Often our default reaction to differences is to blame, attack, or withdraw— but the key is whether we understand how to transform those patterns into connection and growth- at the root..

Relationships are a transformational crucible, where the other becomes our greatest mirror and teacher. They are the laboratory where we integrate our fragmented selves and help our partner do the same…. a back-and-forth dance of returning each other to wholeness. This book illuminates that path.

✨ I hope you’ll join the conversation!

04/24/2025

May 2 - Couples Communication and Connection workshop! Private, virtual, short but powerful-
Based on the work of The Couples Institute plus some Gottman and EFT, is designed to shift couples communication patterns at the root. If you have blaming, criticizing couples that get stuck in the same patterns, or conflict avoidant couples who aren't making progress - these tools will be especially helpful.

Short but powerful 1-Day Couples Communication Workshop on Friday, May 2nd, held online at: https://michellejoymft.com/couples-counseling/communication-workshop/

Couples learn how to go from disconnected to united, tools are taught and then the couple practices several times throughout the day in private zoom rooms, facilitator (myself) comes in to assist.

Therapists have said couples come back easier to work with.

Details:

Private guidance from me with each couple to implement tools right at the workshop
Powerful techniques designed to shift their communication patterns at the root
Based on the Developmental Model (plus some Gottman and EFT).
I've been specializing in helping couples for over 20 years.
Space is limited to ensure individual attention to each couple
Past participants:

“We have made significant progress that had not been achieved using any other resource.” Barbara Craver

“My husband and I have attended years of couple’s counseling, with very little progress. After attending Michelle’s Communication Workshop, we have seen a lot of improvement in very little time. ~ Andrea E. Philadelphia, PA

DETAILS AND TO REGISTER:

Date: May 2nd, 2025

Time: 9 AM to 4:30 PM with an hour off for lunch

Cost: $317 per couple

Location: Held virtually, over Zoom

If you have any couples who may benefit, you can help by forwarding them this link: https://michellejoymft.com/couples-counseling/communication-workshop/

Thank you

03/27/2025

Infidelity rips relationships apart abruptly and violently. Treating couples in the aftermath is one of the most important challenges therapists will face.

Couples lean on us in desperation: How do I know my partner will never cheat again? How long will I feel this way? Should I forgive them? Should we stay together? Will our relationship ever feel normal again? It’s important that we navigate these legitimate questions in a way that helps move the couple forward.

This short but powerful training is designed to equip you with tools and structures needed to help couples and individuals navigate this challenging time. Through small and large group discussion, case examples, role plays, teaching, transcripts, video demonstration, handouts for your couples and more, you will learn:
The 3 choices a couple is faced with in the aftermath of infidelity, how to present them to the couple and how to help them decide which is the right path for them.
How to stabilize first sessions, and the sessions thereafter.
Predictable ways each partner is experiencing the infidelity, and how to reframe these experiences as productive interventions.
The 3 phases of infidelity, and tools to help the couple navigate each phase.
A step-by-step process for rebuilding trust (the betrayed partner plays a role too!), and how to explain it to the couple.
Predicting and managing the common obstacles that arise in the trust building process.
When the betrayer shares their reasons that led to infidelity, the betrayed partner feels blamed. Learn an effective framework to counter this predictable obstacle, leading to receptivity and more transparent, open conversations at a time when the couple needs it the most.
And so, SO much more….

Join us!
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DETAILS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

When: Friday, April 4th, 2025
Time: 10 AM to 4:00 PM
Where: Zoom live attendance or Recorded version
CE: 4.5 for live attendance; 3.5 for recording
Cost: IN-PERSON: $147 with 4.5 CE; $137 without CE
RECORDING ONLY: $127 with 3.5 CE; $117 without CE
More info / Registration:

Infidelity rips relationships apart abruptly and violently. Treating couples in the aftermath is one of the most important challenges therapists will face.

03/25/2025

I'm thrilled to be a speaker in the upcoming Health, Wealth & Wisdom Summit - Parents Edition - airing Wednesday, March 26th!

Parenting challenges can look many ways for many reasons, which is why Dr. L, The Parent Whisperer, has gathered together a FREE powerful collection of speakers in the widest variety of fields. Their mission is to bring together leaders of the parenting world to give you the best of what they have to move your life, dreams, and family in the direction you want and love.

As a speaker, I'm going to be sharing information on the topic of "Parenting Differences: Get to the root and fix stubborn communication patterns."

You will also learn from other speakers about things like:

- Raising teens for an unpredictable future

- Navigating different personalities in your family

- 3 steps to soothe tantrums

- Breaking the cycle of stress and anxiety in ourselves & our children
... and SO much more!

I've probably asked thousands of people now over the past 20+ years, "tell me about your family of origin." It's an important question - that was our first template; our first experience as to what communication and conflict resolution looks like, shaping our own self perception, and so much more. The honorable role of a parent is unlike any other!

Parents, it’s time we band together to take our family’s quality of life to the next level! As we know, these ripple effects extend vastly beyond our own home.

Get your complimentary ticket here!

https://shorturl.at/hMe6m

See you there :)

03/19/2025

9-𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐘 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆: Do you feel lost at times when working with couples? Would you like to be a confident, powerful leader in your sessions?
How about learning proven, effective tools that can change the trajectory of your work with couples, already beginning with our first meeting?

If so, then this Online 9-Week Training Group is for you!
Whether you have been seeing couples for 3 or 30 years, this will be a rich opportunity to see your couples through the lens of the 𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫/𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲– 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭, 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, and from an instructor who has been specializing in couples for over 20 years.
This comprehensive training content includes:
--WEEK 1: The Developmental Model
--WEEK 2: Powerful Starts
--WEEK 3: Blaming Couples
--WEEK 4: Passive Couples
--WEEK 5: The Enneagram
--WEEK 6: Initiator-Inquirer Technique Part I
--WEEK 7: Initiator-Inquirer Technique Part II
--WEEK 8: Navigating Affairs
--WEEK 9: Gestalt 2-Chair
REGISTER NOW:
Dates Wednesdays for 9 weeks beginning April 9th, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM to 12 PM
Location: Online
Registration and more information:

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03/10/2025

I’m thrilled to be a speaker at the Regenerative Health Summit: Answers Beyond the Doctor! 🌿✨

This FREE event is designed to empower you with the knowledge to support your body’s natural healing process—no more confusion or band-aid solutions.

I will be discussing the important role that communication and conflict resolution plays in our health verses suppression, resentment etc. i include some powerful techniques that can be implemented to break relationship logjams!

What you’ll also learn:
✅ Decode your body’s signals and give it what it truly needs
✅ Understand how nutrition, soil health, and lifestyle impact your well-being
✅ Uncover and address root causes of health challenges—naturally!
✅ Gain knowledge beyond conventional medicine and start thriving!

If you’re ready to take charge of your health and tap into your body’s innate healing ability, don’t miss this summit!

🔗 Register now (it’s FREE!): https://karritidwell.com/regenerative-health-summit-march?am_id=michelle338

Let’s do this together! 💪🌿

When Given the Proper Conditions Our Bodies Naturally Thrive. Let's unlock your body's healing potential together!

03/07/2025

I created and hosted a FREE Life Purpose & Self Discovery Summit!
This summit is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to explore your life purpose and self discovery through the lens of a variety of frameworks. These include:
*Shamanic Astrology Paradigm
* Akashic Records
* The Enneagram
* Soul Archetypes
* Fingerprints
* Face Readings
* Human Design
* Gene Keys
* MBTI
* Intuition
* Manifestation
* Dreamwork
* Hypnosis
* Removing barriers
* Cardology
* Numerology
* Ikigai
* Core Gift
* Soul Contacts / Shadow Work
* The many dimensions of Purpose - including as it relates to trauma
Join us ar

◼️This summit is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to explore your life purpose and self discovery through the lens of a variety of frameworks. These include:

01/03/2025

HAPPY NY! If one of your resolutions is massive personal growth and expansion, I have a great opportunity to share with you [EARLY BIRD discount until January 7th!]

Russ Hudson is offering a unique course: The Holy Ideas: The Enneagram and Non-Duality which takes place in February, 2025.
�Why this program is exceptional…

- Rare teachings: While the Holy Ideas are a core component of the original Enneagram teachings, they are rarely taught. This is your opportunity to integrate this wisdom into your life.

- Practical transformation: Discover a new understanding of yourself and others in a way that awakens you to your authentic place in the world. What an amazing way to walk through 2025!

- Interactive format: Learn and connect with others through live sessions, exercises and small group discussions.

This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from Russ. Let’s make 2025 a year of massive personal growth and expansion!

Secure Your Spot Now & Save $400 here until January 7th: http://bit.ly/41x0Smi

Here’s to walking in the truth of who you really are,

Michelle Joy, MFT

One Weekend per Month of Intensive Study with Russ Hudson Beginning February 1, 2025 Even with extensive exploration of Enneagram type and identifying our habitual thoughts, feelings and reactions, we are still limited by our conditioned mind. Through the study of the Holy Ideas, we can release our....

08/09/2024

Enneagram Summit for Businesses and Teams starts Monday, August 12th, 2024 at EnneagramSummits.com!

Why am I excited? An incredible lineup of 25+ leading experts from all over the world (including myself) will bring to light the versatility and power of the Enneagram to help you, your agency or organization flourish and thrive.

This first-of-its-kind summit is not just any event - it's comprised of faith, strength and transformation.

This is your chance to discover the “never seen before” collection of insights and approaches to infuse your business with inclusion, intelligence, compassion and cohesiveness, as well as important individual areas of development, so that you can make the impact you're meant to - with the help of the Enneagram.

And guess what? It's completely free!

Featured Topics Include:
- Transform both leaders and those they lead
- Illuminate strengths, optimize team effectiveness, and maximize potential
- Increase sales
- Learn how frameworks such as triadics, instinctual biases, and blind spots can provide insights on different workstyles and highlight potential growth and development areas.
- Discover an illuminating map for team problem-solving and decision-making, moving from stuck to collaborative action.
- Improve engagement, motivation, social and emotional intelligence, inclusiveness, and communication & conflict resolution in the workplace.
- Prevent and recover from burnout.
- Explore the purpose and career paths that are ultimately fulfilling and meaningful.
And SO, SO much more…

Secure your spot at EnneagramSummits.com, and take advantage of this transformative experience.

I'll see you there!