Dr. Michelle Clay

I am Dr. Michelle G. Clay, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, and National Certified Counselor with more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health, counseling, education, training, and community-based services. I earned my doctorate in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior from Capella University and hold a master’s degree in counseling.

Throughout my career, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings, including schools, outpatient behavioral health, substance use treatment, higher education, and community programs. My clinical and professional interests include ADHD and executive functioning, trauma, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral concerns, family and relationship challenges, stress, life transitions, and helping individuals develop healthier coping and communication skills.

I believe people often already possess more strength and ability than they realize. My approach is practical, supportive, and focused on helping clients better understand what may be getting in the way of the life they want to create. I bring both clinical knowledge and real-world experience into my work and strive to create a space where clients feel respected, understood, and able to make meaningful changes at their own pace.

In addition to counseling, I am passionate about teaching, training, and professional development. I have served as an adjunct faculty member, clinical supervisor, facilitator, and conference presenter and enjoy helping both individuals and professionals translate knowledge into practical strategies they can use in everyday life.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, practical, and tailored to the individual. I believe therapy works best when clients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in the process rather than feeling as though they are simply being told what to do.

I draw from evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused strategies, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based interventions. I also help clients identify patterns, improve emotional regulation, develop healthier coping skills, strengthen communication, and turn insight into realistic changes they can use in everyday life.

I value authenticity and believe therapy should be both supportive and purposeful. My goal is to create a space where clients can be honest about what is difficult while also feeling encouraged to recognize their strengths, make meaningful choices, and move toward the life they want to build.

Your first session is primarily a time for you to talk and for me to listen. Many people come to therapy carrying thoughts, feelings, and experiences they have not had the opportunity to fully express, so I want you to have the space to tell your story in your own way and at your own pace.

As I listen, we will begin exploring what brought you to therapy, what is currently affecting your day-to-day life, and any immediate concerns that may need attention. We may also begin discussing your goals and what you would like to be different as a result of therapy.

I often think of the first session as a collaborative investigation. Together, we are gathering information, identifying patterns, understanding what feels most important right now, and determining the best place to begin. You do not have to have everything figured out before you arrive. My role is to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and work alongside you as we decide where to start and what might be most helpful moving forward.