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Michele "Misha" James-Parham

Pronouns: they/them/elle/él

Ìyá Pittsburgh is excited for you to meet its resident Reproductive & Perinatal Social Worker, Therapist, & Peer Support Group Facilitator!

Ready to schedule an appointment? Book here!

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Michele has served their community as a traditional community midwife since 1998, beginning in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and now in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ever since their family relocated here in the Summer of 2005.
 
In addition to being a midwife, they also serve their community as a herbalist, Jewish/secular abortion chaplain, spiritual/life coach, inclusive sex educator, reproductive & perinatal social worker, and as a therapist. While Misha has worked with all kinds of people from different backgrounds, their practice has always focused on providing full spectrum, affirming, and culturally appropriate care to queer and transgender people (LGBTQ+), people of the global majority (BIPOC), and financially-deprived people (low-income).

Misha está aprendiendo español y espera eventualmente ofrecer servicios a clientes hispanohablantes.
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Michele’s academic background consists of formal and informal education programs, degrees, and trainings for:
  • Peer Counselling for Alcohol & Substance Use & Recovery

  • Peer Counselling for Sexual Assault Survivors

  • Psychological Anthropology

  • Midwifery (out of hospital/community & home-based)

  • Women's & Gender Studies

  • Reflexology & Reiki

  • Folk & Clinical Herbalism

  • Jewish & Secular Chaplaincy (D.Div., honoris causa)

  • Comparative Religious Studies

  • Social Work

When appropriate, Misha also incorporates values & principles associated with ancestor veneration, Jewish Mysticism/Queer Neo-Hasidism, Sufism, and the Four Noble Truths & Eightfold Path of Buddhist Dharma.

In their work and goal setting with clients, Misha utilises the following strategies, tools, and perspectives:
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While Michele appreciates & celebrates the unique identities & needs of all their clients, they have lived experience with the following:
  • Queer & Transgender/Nonbinary Experience

  • Multiethnic/Multiracial Experience

  • Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD, & PDA)

  • Ethical Nonmonogamy & Relationship Anarchy

  • Alternative/Non-nuclear Family Structures

  • Kink & BDSM

  • Religious/Spiritual & Cultural Stigma & Trauma

  • Pregnancy Loss & Abortion​

  • Birth Trauma

  • Sexual Assault Trauma

  • Substance Use & Recovery

  • Disordered Eating

  • Homelessness

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