Michelle Durham, LPC

Michelle Durham is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in the District of Columbia with 19 years of experience in the mental health field. She has spent the majority of her career in nonprofit, community-based settings providing direct services and counseling to people facing complex life challenges, including severe and persistent mental illness such as depression, anxiety, delusional and bipolar disorders, unemployment, substance use, trauma, and chronic homelessness. Her work also includes support for self-esteem, relationship and family concerns, and other overlapping difficulties that affect daily functioning.

Michelle has additional experience assisting individuals fleeing domestic violence, people exiting the criminal justice system, and young adults transitioning out of foster care. Those roles have shaped a practical, flexible skill set and an ability to connect across diverse backgrounds and circumstances. She practices from a strength-based, client-centered framework that honors cultural context and the whole person.

When indicated, Michelle integrates evidence-based techniques such as solution-focused strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused interventions, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing. She has completed TREM training for women - Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model - and training in trauma-informed care. Michelle emphasizes self-care and partners with each person to design realistic, individualized plans. Her approach is warm, open, and collaborative, and she frames treatment around the client s goals and lived experience. Michelle welcomes those ready to begin a process of healing, self-discovery, and empowerment.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Michelle Durham

Michelle often draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people clarify their values, accept difficult emotions, and commit to actions that align with what matters most. ACT can be helpful for managing anxiety, stress, and patterns that interfere with meaningful living.

She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, an approach that emphasizes empathy, active listening, and a nonjudgmental stance so clients can explore their experiences and find their own solutions. This style supports relationship concerns, self-esteem work, and life transitions by centering the client s perspective.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another common tool in her practice, offering structured techniques to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT can assist with depression, anxiety, addiction-related patterns, and coping skills development.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Michelle works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they will experiment with methods and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Michelle includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for people with busy schedules, caregiving roles, or mobility constraints. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, attend sessions from different locations, and integrate therapy into everyday life while working with licensed professionals and therapists to reach stated goals.