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Headshot of Michelle Smith, LCSW_C

Michelle Smith

Therapist
9 years of experience
  • In-person
  • Anxiety, Stress management, Women's issues, Trauma
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

I work with adults 18+ and create a safe, supportive space where you can show up as your true self. I believe every person has gifts and strengths they can draw on to heal and grow, and I know that hard experiences do not define who you are. Change can be uncomfortable, but it is often a meaningful part of growth. I specialize in trauma work, including EMDR, and I help clients navigate challenges like anxiety, low self-esteem, and the personal, work, and family stress that can make everyday life feel overwhelming. With more than five years of experience as a therapist, I bring patience, empathy, and a sense of humor to my work. I also connect with clients in a genuine way because I understand what it feels like to struggle, and I want you to know you do not have to work through it alone.

My approach to therapy

My approach to therapy is integrative and solution-focused. I believe in meeting you where you are, helping you identify the obstacles in front of you, and working together to build practical strategies that support healing and lasting change. I focus on helping clients better manage social and emotional challenges, especially anxiety, trauma, and low self-esteem, while also learning how to handle the stresses of daily life more effectively. I see therapy as a space where you can feel understood, supported, and empowered to move toward your best life.

What you can expect from me

In our first session, you can expect a warm, welcoming environment where we begin getting to know each other and talking about what brings you to therapy. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, heard, and respected from the start. We will explore the challenges you are facing, talk about what you would like to change, and begin identifying strengths you can build on. I bring a broad perspective to my work shaped by my own life experiences, from growing up in Maine and living throughout New England to studying French in southern France and working in roles like tour guide in Salem Massachusetts and park ranger in Acadia National Park, all of which have deepened my ability to connect with people from many different backgrounds. Above all, you can expect a compassionate space where we start building a path forward together.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    9 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at University of New Hampshire
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Clinical) (Maryland)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Ascension, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente of the Mid Atlantic, Oxford, United Healthcare

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Stress management, Women's issues, Trauma
  • More specialties
    Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues, PTSD
  • Therapy methods
    Strength-Based, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Seniors, Adults
  • Languages
    English
  • Location
    182 Thomas Johnson Drive Ste 200 Ofc 1
    Frederick, MD 21702