Michelle Durham, LPC

Michelle Durham, LPC, works with people facing trauma, addiction, relationship strain, and stress. She offers straightforward, practical help for anxiety, depression, grief, and self-esteem struggles. Michelle speaks plain language and focuses on immediate concerns so people can feel steadier day to day.

She has nearly two decades of experience in community and nonprofit settings in Washington, DC. That work included counseling people facing homelessness, substance use, serious mental illness, and those fleeing domestic violence. She has also supported formerly incarcerated people and those leaving foster care, which shaped her flexible, real-world approach.

Michelle uses a client-centered, strength-based stance. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, narrative work, and solution-focused techniques to match practical tools to each person’s needs. When trauma is part of the picture she integrates trauma-informed practices and recovery-focused supports.

Sessions emphasize building skills, exploring values, and creating self-care plans that fit daily life. Michelle aims for a warm, approachable tone while collaborating on goals and next steps. She encourages people to set the pace and bring what matters most to the work.

Her practice also considers cultural background and life circumstances when shaping treatment. People interested in starting can expect clear steps to scheduling and an emphasis on usable strategies for coping, communication, and rebuilding after difficult experiences.

Approaches that translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and taking meaningful action, even when difficult thoughts or feelings show up. It can help with anxiety, depression, and living through major life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people spot unhelpful thinking patterns and test new behaviors to reduce distress and solve problems like panic, low mood, or anger. Client-Centered Therapy prioritizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the person sets the agenda and the therapist follows their lead.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and situation. That decision can shift over time as needs and preferences evolve, so the plan is adjusted together.

Confirm the specific online session options before booking, as formats are not listed in the profile. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when a quick conversation is needed. It also lets people use mindfulness exercises, ACT values work, and CBT homework between sessions to keep progress moving in everyday life.