Michelle Durham, LPC

Michelle Durham, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor in Washington, DC with 19 years of experience in the mental health field. Much of her background has been rooted in nonprofit and community-based settings, where she has provided direct counseling and support to people navigating complex life circumstances. Her work has included helping individuals living with challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar and delusional disorders, unemployment, substance use, trauma, chronic homelessness, self-esteem concerns, and relationship or family stressors.

Over the years, she has also developed extensive experience supporting individuals fleeing domestic violence, people who have been formerly incarcerated, and those transitioning out of the foster care system. Working alongside diverse communities has shaped a skill set focused on meeting clients with respect, realism, and genuine connection, especially when life has felt unstable or overwhelming.

Michelle practices from a strengths-based perspective with a client-centered, holistic approach that considers cultural and lifestyle factors that matter to each person. When it fits the client’s goals, she integrates evidence-based strategies drawn from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, solution-focused counseling, and trauma-focused work. She has completed TREM (Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model) training for women and training in trauma-informed care, and she places strong emphasis on building sustainable self-care in practical, personalized ways.

Her style is warm, open, and approachable, with a belief that meaningful progress comes through collaboration. Michelle aims to provide a supportive framework while keeping therapy guided by the client’s priorities, meeting them where they are and helping them move toward healing, self-discovery, and empowerment.