Michelle Hodges, OTR/L
she/her
Accepting New Clients
Hi, I’m Michelle!
A Steady Presence in a World That Moves Fast
From the moment we begin working together, my hope is that you feel grounded, supported, and truly seen. I know how vulnerable it can feel to start this kind of work, so I bring warmth, curiosity, and a steady presence to every session.
Sometimes that means beginning with something familiar or lighthearted; other times, it means gently making space for what feels heavy. I believe occupational therapy can hold both depth and ease – and that feeling safe doesn’t mean we have to take everything too seriously all the time.
Our work together is collaborative and flexible. Whether you’re craving structure, creative freedom, or simply permission to slow down, I’ll be there as a thoughtful, consistent guide.
I love helping clients develop tools that feel personal, meaningful, and sustainable – not just in theory, but woven into the reality of their everyday lives. I believe our time together doesn’t have to be heavy to be meaningful, and that joy and connection have a place in all of it.
Who I Work With
You might be navigating the emotional fog of anxiety or depression – doing all the “right” things but still feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed. Maybe you’re figuring out how to support your executive functioning or sensory needs, or you’re beginning to understand what a later-in-life ADHD or Autism diagnosis means for you.
You could be moving through a life transition, shifting roles in your family or career, or trying to break out of old patterns that no longer serve you. For some, this includes unpacking codependent dynamics, making space for meaningful rest and leisure, or learning how to care for themselves without guilt or burnout. Whatever brings you here, you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we’ll take it one step at a time.
How We’ll Work Together
Sessions with me are both steady and spacious. I’ll meet you where you are, and from there, we’ll figure out what works best for you. That might look like building supportive routines, identifying what helps regulate your nervous system, or reworking thoughts and habits that keep getting in your way. I love exploring your values and making decisions that feel aligned with you – especially around relationships, time, money, and the day-to-day rhythms of your life.
This work isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about understanding who you already are, honoring what matters to you, and building strategies that actually feel doable in your real life.
A Bit About Me
Outside of work, I value creativity, curiosity, and community. I was born and raised in Ohio, lived in a few different places over the years, before settling in Chicago. You’ll often find me going for long walks, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, reading mystery novels, or doing yoga or Pilates. Traveling and being near water helps me feel grounded, and I try to find laughter throughout the day – whether it’s through a moment with friends or family, or just the small, everyday things that bring some lightness to this life.
OT Areas of Focus:
Executive functioning
Emotional regulation + anger management
Anxiety and depression
Codependency + addiction recovery
Financial wellness + sustainable routines
Sensory processing
Life transitions
Leisure Exploration
Self-esteem and identity
Values-based decision making
Populations:
Adult
Older Adults
Caregivers
Individuals navigating changing roles or identities
Individuals in 'helping' professions
In-Network with:
BCBS PPO
Aetna