Michelle Durham

Compassionate, practical therapy for complex life challenges

LPC District of Columbia

Experience: 19 years in practice
Focus areas: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Michelle

Michelle Durham is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) practicing in the District of Columbia with 19 years of experience in mental health.

Background and approach

She welcomes people facing a broad range of life challenges, including anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, trauma and relationship difficulties, and she brings a strengths-oriented, culturally aware approach to each client’s situation. Michelle draws on a history of community-based work where she provided direct services to people experiencing chronic homelessness, substance use concerns, unemployment, and other complex stressors.

Her clinical style is warm, client-centered, and collaborative, emphasizing self-care and practical coping strategies. Michelle integrates evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, narrative and solution-focused techniques to tailor work to individual goals.

She also has training in trauma recovery and trauma-informed care and seeks to meet clients where they are so treatment follows clients’ priorities and cultural context. Sessions aim to be practical and empowering, with attention to communication skills, self-esteem, intimacy and workplace or caregiving stresses.

Michelle works in English and provides care through multiple remote formats according to her availability.

How evidence-based approaches translate to online care

Michelle commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as part of her work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and building practical skills to change behaviors and reduce symptoms, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. ACT emphasizes values-based action and mindful acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings, helping people move toward meaningful goals despite discomfort.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. She explores a client’s goals, preferences, and life context to determine which methods or combination of methods will be most helpful, and she checks in regularly to adjust the plan as needed so that therapy stays aligned with changing needs.

Online formats offer flexibility for clients balancing work, caregiving, or transportation constraints. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction, phone sessions reduce technological barriers, and live chat or text-based messaging provide ongoing access between scheduled meetings. These options help make it easier to maintain momentum and practice skills in everyday life while working with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michelle commonly address?

She works with a wide range of issues including addiction, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, and workplace or caregiving stress.

What is her therapeutic style and approach?

Her style is warm, client-centered, and collaborative, often blending solution-focused tools, CBT, mindfulness, ACT, and narrative techniques to fit each person’s needs.

How much experience does she have in the field?

She has 19 years of experience working in mental health, largely in nonprofit and community-based settings providing direct counseling and support.

What credentials and location should I know about?

She is a licensed professional counselor with the credential DC LPC PRC14964 and practices in the District of Columbia.

Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?

She does not accept international clients at this time and provides services to clients who can engage within her stated jurisdiction and formats.

What session formats are available for online work?

Sessions may be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on availability and client preference.

How are fees and subscriptions handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse Compassion fatigue

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression Coping with life changesCoaching

Additional focus areas

Caregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesFirst responder issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

19+ years

Licensed

District of Columbia

Languages

English