Michelle Stern

I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I provide virtual therapy for adults throughout both states.

Over the years, I've helped clients navigate anxiety, trauma, self-worth, and life transitions. Through that work, I developed a strong passion for supporting adults with ADHD, including those who are newly diagnosed, questioning whether ADHD may explain their experiences, or feeling stuck despite wanting to make meaningful changes.

My approach is warm, collaborative, practical, and strengths-based. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, psychoeducation, and executive functioning strategies to help clients better understand how ADHD affects their lives, reduce shame, build confidence, and develop tools that fit the way their brain works.

When clinically appropriate, I also incorporate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to address trauma, painful experiences, chronic shame, and negative beliefs that may have developed after years of criticism, rejection, or feeling misunderstood.

Outside of my work, I'm a wife and mom who understands the demands of balancing work, family, and everyday responsibilities. My work is also informed by personal experience with ADHD, which adds perspective alongside my professional training. I strive to create a welcoming, down-to-earth space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change.

I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely understood, accepted, and supported. My approach is collaborative, practical, and strengths-based. Rather than focusing on “fixing” you, we’ll work together to understand how your brain works, identify the patterns and barriers affecting your life, and develop strategies that align with your needs, strengths, and values.

I integrate evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, psychoeducation, executive functioning support, and trauma-informed care. When clinically appropriate, I may also incorporate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help process painful experiences, chronic shame, or negative beliefs that may have developed through years of criticism, rejection, or feeling misunderstood.

Sessions are tailored to your individual needs and may include learning about ADHD, building practical skills, examining unhelpful thought patterns, strengthening emotional regulation, processing distressing experiences, or creating systems that make everyday life feel more manageable.

I strive to balance compassion with practical problem-solving. My goal is for you to leave sessions feeling heard and supported, while also gaining greater insight, confidence, and tools you can use in your daily life. Whether you are newly diagnosed, questioning whether you may have ADHD, or have been navigating its challenges for years, I’ll meet you where you are and support you in building a life that works with your brain—not against it.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure what to expect. My goal is to make your first session feel welcoming, relaxed, and collaborative.

We'll spend time getting to know one another, talking about what brought you to therapy, the challenges you're experiencing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. If you're seeking support for ADHD, we'll begin exploring how your symptoms impact different areas of your life, such as work, relationships, organization, emotional regulation, and daily responsibilities.

There is no pressure to share everything in your first session or have all the answers. You don't need to prepare anything or worry about saying the "right" thing. This is your space, and we'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

By the end of our first session, you'll have a clearer understanding of how we can work together, an opportunity to ask questions, and a personalized plan for moving forward. My hope is that you'll leave feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the changes ahead.