We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

As a mental health clinician, I’m privileged to witness heartwarming stories through the transformative work I do with clients. Therapy often involves navigating trauma and hardship, but it’s the moments of connection, vulnerability, and humanity that truly inspire me.

Early in my career, I worked as a therapist in nonprofit schools, substance abuse rehabilitation centers, and programs in South Florida. One of my most impactful experiences was leading a group therapy class called “Spirited Girls,” designed to create a safe space for young women to discuss challenges and learn coping strategies. I facilitated six to seven groups daily, guiding girls who were often skeptical or guarded.

I’ll never forget a few girls whose journeys left a lasting mark on my heart. Some arrived at their first session closed off—arms crossed, eyes rolling, dismissing the group as “stupid.” Yet, over time, I watched them blossom into confident, vulnerable leaders who upheld the sacred space we created together, even guiding their peers to respect it. These moments taught me the power of healing through connection and the honor of witnessing someone’s story.

Today, in my private practice, I work with clients from all backgrounds, helping them rewire deeply rooted beliefs and behaviors shaped by trauma. Each milestone—whether a client manages discomfort, communicates an emotional need, or shifts their perspective—is a heartwarming victory. In therapy, we pour our hearts into what matters most: the person in front of us. These moments of growth and courage remind me why I do this work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Michelle Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience in mental health, offering virtual therapy services to clients in New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, and Oregon through my private practice, www.michellesmithlmhc.com.

My journey into this field began with a deep desire to help people navigate life’s challenges, particularly those feeling stuck in patterns shaped by trauma, anxiety, or difficult relationship patterns.

I provide an eclectic approach to treatment tailored specifically to my clients unique needs utilizing trauma-focused modalities.

My practice specializes in virtual individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and intensive therapy services. Some of my specialities include EMDR, clinical hypnosis, group therapy, couples therapy, and more. My therapy services help clients address complex trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, depression, grief, maternal mental health, and relationship challenges.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can sometimes stay surface-level, I utilize a trauma focused approach to support clients in rewiring subconscious brain patterns and help them break free from old cycles and build resilience.

For couples work, I integrate Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), polyamorous and BDSM/kink informed approaches, and Gottman method couples therapy interventions to foster communication and trust between partnerships.

I also provide a number of group therapy opportunities to continue my clients healing in a safe, supportive space to connect and heal collectively. I offer a number of special groups focusing on topics such as trauma, grief, relationship loss, maternal mental health, and more.

My intensive therapy sessions provide deep, focused work for those needing rapid progress. Integrating this style of therapy can give the benefit of multiple sessions over a day or number of days for those looking to jumpstart their healing.

What sets my practice apart is my eclectic, client-centered approach. I blend evidence-based techniques with warmth and creativity, tailoring each session to my client’s unique needs.

I’m particularly proud of helping clients rediscover their inner strength. My virtual therapy services ensure accessibility and ease of care, offering flexible scheduling and a safe space for clients to engage from anywhere.

I want potential clients to know that my practice is a judgment-free zone where they can feel seen, safe, and hopeful about what the future may entail.

If your still uncertain how my services may help, I offer free consultations to explore how we can work together. I invite you to visit my website at www.michellesmithlmhc.com to learn more and take the first step toward feeling empowered and becoming the best version of you!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that my role as a therapist was to always “fix” or provide immediate solutions for my clients’ struggles.

Early in my career, I felt compelled to offer quick answers, influenced by my own experiences navigating anxiety and personal challenges, which drove me to seek rapid resolutions in my life.

Through my training in trauma informed care
and by reflecting on my own human experiences, I realized that healing often unfolds within the safety of the therapeutic relationship, through time, and by integrating the work we do together.

This mindset shift allowed me to transform my virtual private practice where I now focus on creating a safe, compassionate, judgment-free space for clients to be supported in their healing journey.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A pivotal moment in my journey came during my graduate studies when I was grieving the death of my father.

During this impactful period of loss, I was also building the foundation for myself as a clinician and learning how to support clients through their own trauma and experiences.

The emotional weight felt overwhelming, and I questioned my capacity to continue. During this time, I reflected deeply on the first book I read in graduate school, Viktor Frankl’s *Man’s Search for Meaning*. Frankl’s insights about finding purpose through suffering reshaped my understanding of my own grief and my role as a therapist. His words reminded me that meaning can emerge even in pain, and this perspective gave me the strength to process my loss using tools I was being trained in through my studies.

This experience mirrored the vulnerability and courage my clients show in virtual sessions for individual, couples, or group therapy and taught me that resilience is about embracing pain to find purpose. I am grateful for the opportunity to have deepen my empathy for my clients and to hold space for their stories and support them in their own journey of finding meaning through loss.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michellesmithlmhc.com
• Instagram: @michellesmithlmhc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellesmithcounseling
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-smith-ms-lmhc-lpc-47969831?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Brooke Claybaker (headshots)