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Our Mission

Villain Esteem exists to provide accessible, affirming mental health care that honors the full complexity of being human. We support individuals in healing the parts of themselves that were judged, silenced, or rejected—helping clients build insight, self-acceptance, and sustainable change without shame.

Our team

Michela Dalsing VE Counselor

Michela Dalsing
MS, LMHC, NCC, LCPC CCFS,
MHFA Trainer

Licensed Mental Health Counselor - 

Chief Innovative Officer of Villain Esteem

Michela Dalsing brings a deeply human, nonjudgmental approach to counseling, shaped by a lifelong understanding of what it means to feel different, misunderstood, or “too much.” Drawn to the mental health field to support others who have felt marginalized or out of place, Michela has worked across a wide range of treatment settings, including residential treatment for at-risk youth, inpatient services, community mental health, and corporate mental health environments.

Michela is committed to meeting clients where they are and understanding each person as a whole, rather than as a diagnosis or problem to be fixed. She is especially passionate about working with individuals who feel misunderstood, including self-identified “nerds,” creatives, and those whose interests, identities, or inner worlds haven’t always been welcomed elsewhere.

Michela is deeply committed to supporting and mentoring the next generation of counselors. She is passionate about creating a learning environment where emerging clinicians feel supported, encouraged, and challenged to grow with confidence and integrity. Through supervision, guidance, consultation, and modeling ethical, compassionate care, Michela strives to help developing counselors build strong clinical skills, professional identity, and resilience—so they can provide thoughtful, effective care while sustaining their own well-being in a demanding field.

Outside of her clinical work, Michela is an avid horror film enthusiast, comic book fan, and metal music lover—interests that inform her appreciation for authenticity, intensity, and self-expression. She values connection, balance, and support in her personal life and credits her partner with helping ground, encourage, and support her in pursuing both personal and professional growth.

Education:

  • Wartburg College - Bachelor’s degree in Psychology 2009-2012

  • Central Washington University - Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling 2012-2014

Certifications:

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (WA) 2016-current

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (ID) 2020-current

  • Nationally Certified Counselor 2014-2024

  • Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist 2023-Current

  • Mental Health First Aid Instructor 2024-Current

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Ximena Alyssa Herriges-Dalsing, CSLC

Certified Strategic Life Coach

Small Business Development Consultant

Chief Executive Officer of

Villain Esteem

Alyssa Herriges-Dalsing is a strategic leader and builder at heart, known for turning ideas into sustainable, mission-driven operations. With a background spanning multiple industries, Alyssa has dedicated much of her life to creating and scaling businesses that are both effective and people-centered. Her enthusiasm, adaptability, and curiosity fuel everything she does, allowing her to quickly develop deep expertise in areas she is passionate about.

Alyssa has the goal of destigmatizing mental health and improving psychological safety in the workplace. She is especially interested in bridging the gap between organizational systems and human well-being, using education, advocacy, and thoughtful design to create healthier work environments. 

Driven by a strong commitment to meaningful impact, Alyssa thrives on challenging herself and pushing beyond perceived limits. Outside of her professional work, she spends her time volunteering, riding horses, creative projects, and horror films. She values authenticity, mutual growth, and radical acceptance in both her personal and professional relationships, and credits her partner with fostering a space where big dreams, balance, and genuine connection can thrive.

Experience:

 

​​​

  • 15 years in Industrial/Organizational Management 

  • 15 years in Sales & Marketing

  • 18 years in Business Ownership

  • 16 years in Small Business Development

  • 8 years in life coaching

  • Summa Cum Laude WSU Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Technical Skills

Avaya

Crystal Reports - SAP

iOS

Lucent Technologies Method

MS Great Plains

MS Office Suite

Prezi

Sales Force 

ERP 

Tableau

Adobe

HTML

Certifications:

  • Certified Strategic Life Coach

  • HIPPA Certified

  • Certified OMWBE

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