Michelle Durham, LPC

Michelle Durham is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Washington, DC. She helps people facing addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and the stress of life changes. Michelle draws on nearly two decades of experience in community settings to meet clients where they are and work toward clearer goals.

She has spent much of her career in nonprofit programs providing direct counseling to people coping with substance use, homelessness, unemployment, and trauma. That background shaped a practical style focused on strengths and real-life solutions. Michelle also has experience supporting people affected by domestic violence, incarceration, and foster care transitions.

Michelle uses a client-centered, holistic approach that attends to cultural context and personal values. She integrates evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, narrative work, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution-focused strategies when they fit the persons needs. She also promotes realistic self-care plans and explores creative ways to sustain them.

Her manner is warm and straightforward. Sessions emphasize collaboration - the client helps set the pace and goals while Michelle offers tools, feedback, and structure. She aims to help people build skills for coping with stress, improving relationships, managing grief, and reducing substance-related harms.

For those considering counseling, Michelle approaches each case individually and adapts methods to match the situation. Prospective clients should confirm the current session options before scheduling, and can begin by completing the matching process on the site.

How Michelle Uses Evidence-Based Approaches Online

Michelle draws on cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to guide online work. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and testing small changes to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, or problematic substance use. Acceptance and commitment therapy helps people clarify values, accept difficult feelings, and commit to actions that support a meaningful life.

She also uses client-centered techniques that prioritize the person's perspective. That means the therapist listens first, follows the client's lead, and adjusts interventions based on individual goals and cultural background. Together they decide which approach or combination of approaches fits best for the issue at hand.

Finding the right approach is part of the process and is done collaboratively. Michelle will talk through options, try methods for a few sessions, and refine the plan based on what helps most. This way the work stays practical and tuned to everyday needs.

Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online work can make scheduling easier and help fit sessions around work, caregiving, or other obligations. It can also allow for shorter check-ins, avoid travel time, and make it simpler to continue care when life is busy.