Dr. Michelle Toigo

Psychologist

Greetings! I'm Dr. Michelle Toigo, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience spanning diverse practice settings, various medical specialties, and the full adult lifespan.

I function as a generalist psychologist, equipped with a broad foundation of training and practice that enables me to skillfully treat a wide range of clients. Additionally, I hold a specific specialization in health psychology, dedicated to supporting individuals navigating health struggles or life-altering medical changes. Women's health, digestive health, chronic pain, adjusting to new medical diagnoses, and moving forward following traumatic surgery are particular passion areas of mine. That being said, I have worked across the broad spectrum of medical specialties in my role as a health psychologist.

My overarching goal is to cultivate a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment. In this space, you can gain deeper insight into the patterns that shape your life, explore the challenging circumstances and emotions you face, and acquire practical techniques to foster growth. I genuinely value the relationships we forge, however brief or enduring, and greatly enjoy my sessions with clients. When working with me, clients describe a provider who is warm, caring, humorous, and deeply empowering. I recognize that life can be profoundly challenging and feel murky at times. I look forward to walking through those challenges alongside you.

Training and Licensure

I am a licensed psychologist in the state of Wisconsin. I earned my doctorate from Marquette University, with comprehensive training across private practice, hospital-based therapy, and college counseling settings. Following my doctoral work, I pursued further specialized training in health psychology at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics right here in Madison. I am experienced in and dedicated to working with clients from all identity backgrounds, integrating your unique personality into every facet of our therapeutic work.

Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic toolkit is diverse and thoughtfully tailored to each client's unique journey. I integrate a variety of evidence-based and relational modalities:

  • Mindfulness-Based Practices: To cultivate presence and deepen self-awareness.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To effectively address and modify unhelpful thought patterns.

  • Strengths-Based Therapy: To identify and build upon your inherent capacities and resilience.

  • Narrative Therapy: To help you reframe past experiences and collaboratively construct new, more fulfilling life stories.

Through this integrated approach, I guide my clients in discovering inner resilience, uncovering deeper meaning, and forging a renewed sense of purpose as they navigate and embrace their evolving lives.

A Personal Note

Outside of my practice, I cherish time spent with my people. This includes embracing the full spectrum of being a mom to young kids—from tackling store tantrums and endless messes to delighting in sprinkler play and building pillow forts. I am also deeply grateful for the community of close friends we've cultivated here over the years. I consider Madison a truly remarkable city, offering incredible opportunities for hiking, unique dining, and rich educational pursuits. It's also a thriving center for mindfulness practice, a personal passion that profoundly influences my life and work. I truly believe life holds immense joy, even alongside the inevitable challenges that arise. If you find the challenges currently outweighing the enjoyment, please reach out to me or another skilled provider. We are here to help.