Michelle Nguyen

Compassionate LICSW using practical, evidence-informed tools

LICSW District of Columbia

Experience: 5 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Michelle

Michelle Nguyen is a licensed clinical social worker with five years of clinical experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, relationship and intimacy concerns, and other life transitions.

Background and approach

She draws on direct practice in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings and prior work as an investigative social worker for child protective services, which shaped her ability to engage with clients facing complex circumstances. Michelle also has experience working with homeless veterans, bringing practical knowledge of systems and resources to therapeutic work.

Her approach blends practical strategies and empathic listening, using methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused steps to help clients identify patterns, build coping skills, and move toward meaningful change.

Michelle aims to meet clients where they are and supports exploration of issues like attachment and abandonment, body image, caregiving stress, parenting and fatherhood concerns, domestic violence, and career-related challenges. She invites clients into collaborative work designed to clarify goals and strengthen resilience while respecting each person’s pace and priorities.

How Michelle's Approaches Translate to Online Care

Michelle often uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and experimenting with new behaviors to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and address patterns in relationships. She also integrates client-centered methods that prioritize the client's perspective and values, offering space for exploration and empathy while working toward practical goals. Mindfulness techniques are woven in to help clients develop present-moment awareness and stress management skills, useful for coping with grief, cravings, or intrusive thoughts.

Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Michelle collaborates with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies over time as progress and priorities evolve. This collaborative stance helps tailor sessions so they remain focused and relevant to each person's situation.

Online therapy with her is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain regular sessions during busy periods, access care from home or work, and use brief messaging between sessions for support or skill practice as needed.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michelle Nguyen address?

She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship and family problems, LGBT-related concerns, trauma and abuse, intimacy challenges, parenting issues, anger, career transition, and coping with life changes.

What is Michelle's general therapy style?

Her style is collaborative and client-centered, combining empathic listening with practical techniques to help clients set goals and practice new skills.

What relevant background does she bring to sessions?

She has five years of experience and has worked in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, as an investigative social worker for child protective services, and with homeless veterans.

What credentials and location apply to her practice?

Michelle holds a DC LICSW with license number LC50081638 and is based in the District of Columbia.

In which languages can clients work with her and can international clients join?

Sessions are conducted in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.

What formats are available for sessions?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as options for remote work.

How are fees and billing handled?

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

How does someone begin working with Michelle?

Prospective clients should select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem Depression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shame Isolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

District of Columbia

Languages

English