Michelle Durham

(LPC)

About Me

Welcome! My name is Michelle and I am a licensed professional counselor in Washington, DC. I have over 15 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; 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.

Specialties

  • Addictions
  • LGBT
  • Relationship issues
  • Trauma and abuse
  • Compassion fatigue
Also experienced in:
Stress, Anxiety , Grief , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Depression
Years of Experience: 14

Services Offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

LPC #PRC14964 (Expires: 2020-12-31)

Reviews

Written by T.A. on Jul 30, 2020 after counseling 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

Michelle is so caring and compassionate! She reminds me of who I am underneath all the trauma and in spite of it.

Written by K.I. on Jul 30, 2020 after counseling 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 love Michelle. She is warm and caring, and has helped me a lot already.

Written by C.H. on Jul 28, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and grief

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 by E.L. on Jul 09, 2020 after counseling 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

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 by M.A. on Jun 12, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management

Amazing counselor. She’s helped me through difficult times and regain confidence in myself. Always available.

Written by I.V. on Jun 10, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and grief

Michelle seems very kind & understanding.

Written by A.L. on May 26, 2020 after counseling 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

She's great! Very understanding and listens well. Really helpful I would recommend her to anyone!

Written by V.I. on May 24, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching

Michelle’s advice is very helpful for me, and I am hoping to schedule more sessions with her soon. She is caring and can help me sort through my emotional issues.

Written by H.U. on Apr 29, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 3 months on issues concerning lgbt, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching

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 by C.A. on Apr 21, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, and adhd

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 by D.A. on Apr 15, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 2 months on issues concerning compassion fatigue, 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 by C.A. on Apr 13, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching

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 by L.A. on Mar 28, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety

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 by M.A. on Mar 11, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coaching

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 by R.A. on Feb 16, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, career difficulties, and adhd

Michelle is professional, kind, and empathetic. She is open minded and very understanding. I would recommend her to my friends and peers.

Written by L.O. on Feb 15, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Michelle is so nice and understanding and is really helping me through my problems. Since I met her my mood and personality has changed a lot.

Written by J.A. on Jan 31, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, and intimacy-related issues

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 by C.A. on Jan 29, 2020 after counseling with Michelle for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and bipolar disorder

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.