Michelle Smith

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 that hard experiences do not define who you are.

Please note: My practice is primarily in person at my office in Frederick, Maryland. Telehealth is reserved for limited circumstances, such as severe weather or occasional emergencies, for established clients and is not offered as a routine alternative.

Change can be uncomfortable, but it is often a meaningful part of growth. I specialize in trauma therapy, including EMDR, and help clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and the personal, work, and family stress that can make everyday life feel overwhelming.

With approximately nine years of experience providing therapy, I bring patience, empathy, and a sense of humor to my work. I connect with clients in a genuine and down-to-earth way because I understand what it feels like to struggle. You do not have to work through it alone.

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.

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.