Michelle Durham

Michelle Durham, LPC, focuses on helping people navigate big life changes and overwhelming stress. She draws on 19 years in the mental health field to meet people where they are. Her approach aims to make therapy practical and understandable for busy lives.

She has spent most of her career in nonprofit, community-based settings. That work involved supporting people facing severe and persistent mental health conditions, substance use, trauma, homelessness, unemployment, and relationship struggles. She also has experience assisting people who have fled domestic violence, those who were formerly incarcerated, and people leaving foster care.

Michelle uses a strength-based, client-centered approach that pays attention to culture and life context. She combines practical techniques from cognitive behavioral and solution-focused methods with mindfulness and narrative tools. The focus is on small, concrete steps people can use between sessions to feel more steady and in control.

When trauma is part of the story, she integrates trauma-informed practices and supports building safety and coping skills. She emphasizes self-care and works with clients to create realistic plans that fit their routines. Treatment is guided by each person’s goals and pace.

Her style is warm and down-to-earth. Michelle aims for a cooperative relationship where clients play an active role in deciding what comes next. If someone is ready to address anxiety, grief, relationship conflict, or other life shifts, she helps map practical steps toward clearer choices and greater resilience.

How therapeutic approaches shape online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values even when feelings are hard. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and replacing them with more effective strategies for daily challenges. It is practical for mood, stress, and coping with change. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and building a trusting relationship so people feel understood as they work through goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss needs, goals, and preferences and recommend techniques that fit the person. Sessions are collaborative and can blend methods as needed so the plan reflects each person's situation.

The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier and help therapy fit around family, work, or other responsibilities. It can also allow for shorter check-ins when time is limited and remove travel time on busy days. Many people find that remote sessions make it simpler to continue consistent care during life transitions.