Welcome! My name is Michelle and I am a licensed professional counselor in Washington, DC. I have over 18 years of experience working in the mental health field. The majority of my work has been in nonprofit, community-based settings providing direct services and counseling to individuals living with life challenges such as severe and persistent mental illness (depression, anxiety, delusional and bipolar disorders), unemployment, substance abuse, trauma, chronic homelessness, self-esteem, relationship and family issues, among other challenges. My experience with such a diverse population has allowed me to build a skill set that enables me to connect closely with those with whom I work. I also have extensive experience working with those fleeing domestic violence, formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as those exiting the foster care system.
I work from a strength-based perspective using a client-centered, holistic approach that encompasses relevant cultural aspects. When applicable, I will use an integrative approach that includes evidence-based techniques such as those found in solution-focused counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy; trauma-focused therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. Above all, I promote self-care and am able to explore creative ways to establish a self-care plan that is best for you. I have also completed TREM training for women (Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model) and training in providing trauma-informed care. I believe that while I provide the framework, treatment is driven by you. Joining you where you are in that moment is the best way to determine your path to healing. This encompasses your lifestyle choices as well as your unique cultural experiences.
My counseling style is warm, open, and approachable. It is my belief that our collaborative effort is key to making the progress you desire. If you are ready to take the next step in healing, self-discovery, and empowerment, my door is open.
I look forward to beginning our work together.
Professional experience
19 yrs in practice
Coping with addictions LGBTQ+ related issues Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Compassion fatigue
Additional areas of focus:Stress and anxiety, Family conflicts, Coping with grief and loss, Intimacy related issues, Anger management, Motivation, self esteem, and confidence, Career difficulties, Depression, Coping with life changes, Executive and professional coaching, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Control issues, First responder issues, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Multicultural concerns, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Women's issues, Workplace issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Michelle Durham. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Michelle has been an exceptional therapist, and I’m incredibly grateful for the work we’ve done together. She creates a space where I feel heard, respected, and challenged in the right ways. Rather than simply listening, she asks thoughtful questions that help me understand my own thinking and develop practical strategies for moving forward.
During a very difficult period of my life, she helped me rebuild confidence, develop healthier ways of approaching anxiety and stress, and learn how to create sustainable systems instead of relying on constant pressure or perfectionism. Our conversations have helped me become more balanced, more self-aware, and better equipped to navigate both personal and professional challenges.
I especially appreciate that she combines compassion with practical guidance. I always leave our sessions with new perspectives and concrete tools that I can apply in my everyday life.
Written on Jul 09, 2026 after therapy with Michelle for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
Excellent and kind therapist, very thoughtful support during my struggle with a relationship and my mother’s illness
Written on Jan 09, 2024 after therapy with Michelle for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
So far Ms. Michelle has been a warm comforting presence in my time of grief and confusion, allowing me an opportunity to ease into changing things for the better.
Written on Oct 03, 2023 after therapy with Michelle for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Michelle is excellent. She's warm, calm, and respectful. She validates all of my experiences and feelings and makes me feel "normal". She listens to and understands EVERYTHING I say, and provides extremely thoughtful, doable suggestions. So far, she's absolutely perfect.
Written on Sep 28, 2023 after therapy with Michelle for 3 weeks on issues concerning lgbt, and intimacy-related issues
Michelle is a wonderful therapist! She has a strong combination of empathetic counseling, knowledge of psychology and sociology, and a pleasant, likable personality.
Written on May 17, 2023 after therapy with Michelle for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues
Michelle has really helped me through a difficult period in my life. She listens, understands and gives thoughtful commentary and suggestions. She is really excellent
Written on May 16, 2023 after therapy with Michelle for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Michelle is very patient.
Written on Jan 06, 2023 after therapy with Michelle for 2 years and 11 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and grief
Best therapist I’ve ever had. Hands down.
Written on Oct 28, 2022 after therapy with Michelle for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
She is amazing
Written on Oct 13, 2022 after therapy with Michelle for 7 months
I've worked with Michelle for quite some time, and have had a few therapists and counselors throughout my young adult life, but in Michelle, I've found my counselor for life! She listens deeply, reflecting together on what I've shared thought our time, and provides unbiased support. that fits my needs, helps me design programs to address depression and anxiety, and assists in strengthening my own self pracitce.
Written on Sep 26, 2022 after therapy with Michelle for 2 years and 6 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Michelle is easy to talk to. I immediately felt comfortable and safe to talk about how I'm feeling.
Written on Aug 04, 2022 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Michelle brings sense to things that makes no sense to me. I have full confidence in her, always.
Written on Jul 25, 2022 after therapy with Michelle for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
I accidentally marked Michelle as not reliable, that was a complete mistake, she is more than timely in responding, please disregard that answer.
Written on Jun 23, 2022 after therapy with Michelle for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and ad
Michelle is a very kind hearted person with a great ear for listening to my concerns and reasons for therapy. She has been exponential in my on-going healing and development. I’m very grateful for our sessions!
Written on May 17, 2022 after therapy with Michelle for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and adhd
Too soon to assess, have only had one interaction.
Written on Mar 15, 2022 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
I truly enjoy talking with Michelle. She is so kind and understanding!
Written on Mar 01, 2022 after therapy with Michelle for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Michelle Durham has been very compassionate and responsive, and has really let me just talk and talk and talk, which is what I feel like I’ve needed most at first here. I was extremely impressed when I told her that I hadn’t reacted well to advice she offered a few times - there was no reaction other than “ok” and we moved on productively. She pivots so well - I honestly wasn’t sure at first because of some of the early advice she gave, but I know she’s been getting to know me. I like that she’s matter-of-fact, too. I don’t always respond well to ultra-positive reinforcement - but she’s someone figured out how to offer me as much as I need, when I need it. I’m so grateful to her for what we’ve already accomplished.
Written on Jan 23, 2022 after therapy with Michelle for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, and adhd
Michelle is a wonderful therapist and professional. I highly recommend her.
Written on Dec 30, 2021 after therapy with Michelle for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Michelle is the best person to have come into my life. The past two years have been extremely challenging and I don’t know how I would have dealt with it all without her help.
Written on Sep 23, 2021 after therapy with Michelle for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Michelle is thoughtful and easy to talk to. She is a great listener and she has great empathy. She takes the time to understand my concerns and gives great advice to help me address them. After each session, I always feel encouraged and empowered to take on my next challenge.
Written on Jul 30, 2021 after therapy with Michelle for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Ms Michelle is amazing. She's kind ,patient, and affirming. I appreciate her
Written on May 05, 2021 after therapy with Michelle for 8 months on issues concerning family conflicts, grief, and intimacy-related issues
Michelle has been so instrumental in my growth after going through really difficult times. She goes above and beyond, I can’t speak enough of how great she is.
Written on Feb 22, 2021 after therapy with Michelle for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management
Michelle has been an excellent resource and sounding board during a very difficult year. She seems to genuinely care and is very helpful in putting things into perspective, especially when so much seems to be happening at once. Very understanding and highly recommended.
Written on Feb 11, 2021 after therapy with Michelle for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Michelle challenges me in all of the best ways! She’s so compassionate and supportive, but also encourages me to see things from a different perspective.
Written on Feb 04, 2021 after therapy with Michelle for 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
So far, Michelle has been an excellent counselor. I appreciate that she centers our sessions around the therapy goals that I set forth at the beginning of the year. I feel confident that I will see some personal growth as a result of our time together. She has been very warm and encouraging while offering valuable feedback and advice that will push me to tackle some issues I have been facing.
Written on Jan 21, 2021 after therapy with Michelle for 3 weeks
Michelle is a very skilled counselor. She brings a great degree of empathy and insight to her clients. She listens, probes, ask questions and makes recommendations. I also sincerely appreciate her mid-week follow ups, even when I am unable to respond in a timely manner. She is awesome.
Written on Jan 11, 2021 after therapy with Michelle for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Even just one session and the ability to message back and forth, I am enjoying the time she has taken to assist me with everything currently going on.
Written on Dec 07, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coaching
Than you for your patience with me and encouragement to continue to draw and share.
Written on Nov 16, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, anger management, and adhd
She is a great listener. Always committed and with great advice.
Written on Nov 10, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 6 months
Michelle is a phenomenal counselor. She’s open, honest and always willing to go the extra mile to help you with whatever it is you’re going through. I am extremely grateful to have her!
Written on Sep 30, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Amazing sessions that have been very helpful for me.
Written on Sep 28, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
She’s great
Written on Aug 18, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I have been working with Michelle for almost three months now. She is great to work with and I really look forward to our session each week. She has been very helpful, patient, and professional and I highly recommend working with her!
Written on Aug 13, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Michelle is so caring and compassionate! She reminds me of who I am underneath all the trauma and in spite of it.
Written on Jul 30, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and anger management
I love Michelle. She is warm and caring, and has helped me a lot already.
Written on Jul 30, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
I have only had one session with Michelle so far, but I have found her to be incredibly understanding and helpful so far. She heard me out and helped me deal with my immediate concerns, gave me some specific things to do and think about, and let me know what to expect the next time we talk.
Written on Jul 28, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and grief
Excellent
Written on Jul 10, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 months
I’m so lucky I was matched with Michelle. She is an incredible professional and it is a pleasure to be her patient. She has guided me though immense healing and I’m forever grateful.
Written on Jul 09, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
She's great! Very understanding and listens well. Really helpful I would recommend her to anyone!
Written on May 26, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Michelle Durham is probably the best counselor I could have asked for. Her background gives her an appreciation for some of my own unique experiences I am navigating and her skills as a compassionate listener fill in any gaps. I am thankful for her help.
Written on Apr 29, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 3 months on issues concerning lgbt, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
Michelle understands me in my situation and everything that she has asked me to do and the techniques that have been presented to me have been working and I have nothing but admiration for her. This has been one of the best decisions that I have made this year to get these sessions. My girlfriend has over 200 friends and possible and she will be recommending all of them to you guys.
Written on Apr 21, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, and adhd
Michelle is patient, thoughtful, insightful, listens to me and offers helpful advice and ways for me to reflect on the experiences I'm having. I so appreciate her guidance.
Written on Apr 15, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 months on issues concerning compassion fatigue, and adhd
Michelle has been very instrumental in improving my mood, and the way I view conflicts. She’s always available, and provides an honest opinion on my situations. I truly admire that I can come to her for any issues.
Written on Apr 13, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Michelle listens. I feel heard and validated when I meet with her. I value the time I've spent talking with her. Her style is understated and I feel comfortable trying things she suggests because I trust her judgment. She's been excellent so far.
Written on Mar 28, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
I love Michelle. She’s the best therapist I’ve ever seen. I can be so honest with her and she helps me empower myself.
Written on Mar 11, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coaching
Michelle is professional, kind, and empathetic. She is open minded and very understanding. I would recommend her to my friends and peers.
Written on Feb 16, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, career difficulties, and adhd
Michelle is a wonderful person with a strong level of expertise to talk through issues. She offers practical and actionable advice for how to manage stress and communicate your feelings and needs to others. She is genuine, kind, understanding, and readily available.
Written on Jan 31, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, and intimacy-related issues
Michelle has been great - she is kind and genuine while also providing an honest perspective to help me move forward and heal. She has a wealth of toolkits to help me, and she is so prompt with getting back to me on anything and everything - questions, concerns, journal entries, etc.
Written on Jan 29, 2020 after therapy with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
Would you like to write a review for Michelle Durham?
Your review of Michelle Durham would be greatly appreciated.
We will share your review with Michelle Durham, and it may be posted on our website, Michelle Durham's profile, or used in online marketing. To protect your identity, your name will not be associated with the review. Posts may be edited to remove identifying information.
Please provide a review for Michelle Durham
Thank you for submitting a review
Your feedback is very important, and we'll carefully review it to continue improving the therapy experience for everyone who uses BetterHelp.
Cookie Consent
We process personally identifiable and personal health information to conduct our business, as described in our Privacy Policy. Some data processing and sharing is required for our business to function. By clicking "I agree" we may share PII with third party advertising partners to deliver relevant ads or analytics partners to improve our services. To learn more or to opt-out go to "Sharing settings".
To write a message, first send or discard the audio message.
Write a message...Write a note...Let clients know in advance that you will be taking notes and type softly so they are not distracted during the session.
