Michelle Durham, LPC

Michelle Durham is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) based in Washington, DC. She focuses on helping people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, and career or workplace strain. Her approach is down-to-earth and collaborative, designed for people who want practical steps and real conversation.

Michelle brings 19 years of experience in community and nonprofit settings. She has worked with people coping with homelessness, substance use, severe mental health challenges, domestic violence, incarceration histories, and transitions out of foster care. That background shaped her skill at meeting people where they are and adapting to different life situations.

She uses a strength-based, client-centered approach that respects each person’s cultural background and life choices. Michelle integrates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused work, mindfulness, narrative methods, and acceptance and commitment therapy when they fit a person’s needs. She emphasizes self-care and helps people design realistic plans they can use in daily life.

Michelle describes her style as warm and approachable. Sessions are collaborative - the client helps set goals and priorities. She aims to support steady progress through practical tools, reflective conversation, and attention to safety and recovery when trauma or substance issues are present.

People looking for support with caregiver stress, first responder or veteran-related concerns, multicultural issues, or non-monogamous relationship questions may find her background relevant. To begin, clients select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

How therapy approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and commit to actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and making life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for depression, anxiety, and coping with difficult situations. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and supporting the person’s own choices as they set goals and try new behaviors.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michelle will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their needs and goals. That might mean testing a few techniques and adjusting as progress is made, with the client guiding priorities throughout the process.

The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into everyday life, such as scheduling brief check-ins during a busy day, choosing audio when bandwidth is limited, or avoiding travel time to an office. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and client-centered methods to virtual sessions so people can practice skills between meetings and bring real-life situations into conversation.