About Michelle Gourley & Associates
To prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation, and to promote healthy sexual development in youth.
M. Michelle Gourley MFT, LCSW, JD
Spans Psychology, Social Work, and Law
M. Michelle Gourley is a licensed clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, and family and juvenile law attorney whose entire career has been dedicated to enhancing the healing and well-being of youth and their families.
Advancing Youth Wellbeing & Support
Michelle Gourley is a licensed clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, and family and juvenile law attorney whose entire career has been dedicated to enhancing the healing and well-being of youth and their families.
From Crisis Care to Long-Term Healing Support
Michelle's clinical experience spans the full continuum of mental health services, beginning in Child Protective Services in California, continuing through psychiatric social work at the Utah State Hospital, and extending into the treatment of substance abuse and trauma in day treatment programs. She has also provided specialized assessment and treatment for adolescents in residential, correctional, and outpatient settings.
Education & Professional Credentials
Michelle’s academic foundation reflects her multidisciplinary expertise and lifelong dedication to learning.
In 1982
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the pre-professional option of Family Sciences, with a Minor in Psychology and Sociology.
In 1984
She graduated with two Master’s degrees—one in Social Work and a second in Marriage and Family Therapy.
In 1998
Michelle earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah Law School, specializing in family and juvenile law.
She is both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a licensed member of the Utah State Bar Association.
Leadership, Innovation & System-Level Impact
Michelle is one of the co-founders of The Utah Network on Juveniles Obtaining Safety - "NOJOS" where she played a key role in the development and ongoing revision of the NOJOS Treatment Protocols and Standards and the NOJOS Protocols and Standards for Conducting Juvenile Sex-Specific Assessment. She also serves as a member of the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sex Abuse, Juvenile Best Practice Committee.
Specialized Assessments Across State and Federal Systems
From 2000 to 2013, her outpatient agency, ChoicePoint Therapeutic Services, held the first sole contract with the Utah Third District Juvenile Court to provide psychosexual assessment of juveniles referred for sexual issues. Today, through her private practice, Michelle continues to provide specialized assessments for juveniles and young adults across the United States, serving clients in both state and federal jurisdictions.
Gateway Academy & Clinical Innovation
In 2002, Michelle co-founded Gateway Academy, a premier residential treatment program and school dedicated to supporting the healthy development and healing of adolescent boys experiencing anxiety, depression, ASD, and learning differences. During her time as Director of Clinical & Academic Integration, she developed a brain-based and mindfulness approach that integrates neuroscience research into both treatment and academic programming, helping bridge clinical insight with educational practice.
Training, Speaking & Professional Education
Michelle has delivered professional training and presentations at numerous state and national conferences, focusing on:
Integrating Neuroscience, Mindfulness, & Healing
Over the past 20 years, she has also provided extensive training on treatment approaches incorporating neuroscience, mindful awareness, and brain-based methods. In 2020, she earned certification as a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher from Brown University.
Balancing Healing Work With Adventure and Joy
Michelle feels she will never have enough time to explore and experience all of her interests. First and foremost, she values time with family and friends. She also deeply enjoys being in nature and the outdoors.
A Passion for Growth, Creativity, and Human Connection
She is also an avid traveler with a passion for photography, music, poetry, yoga, and meditation. Michelle has an insatiable desire to learn and a deep commitment to real, compassionate human connection.
Sanskrit Symbol for Gratitude.
A Lifelong Commitment to Understanding the Human Experience
A career defined by depth, service, and integration of disciplines—Michelle Gourley’s work reflects a lifelong dedication to understanding people, supporting healing, and advancing care for complex human experiences.