Michelle Sams, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker · Virginia
NPI 1619402096
- Works with
- Teens, adults & seniors
- Modalities
- CBT · Person-centered · Psychodynamic
About Michelle
I am an LCSW with past experience as a school social worker, intensive in-home therapist, and therapeutic day treatment behavior specialist. I have been working as an outpatient therapist since 2017, and I specialize in treating trauma, as well as anxiety and depression.
I have been working in the social work field since 1997. I work with individuals to process past traumatic events and build coping skills. I also have experience with ADHD, women's and men's issues, school issues and the special education process, teen challenges, and work/life stress.
I work alongside clients to identify their strengths, build confidence and self-esteem, and brainstorm changes they can make in their lives to improve their well-being.
“I work from a strength-based perspective and believe everyone is capable of change.”
Working with Michelle
How I work
I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic / psychoanalytic and Person-centered / humanistic, and I am IFS informed. Together we choose what fits you best, aiming for practical tools you can use between sessions.
What to expect at a first session
At your first session, I will get to know you or your child and ask questions that help me better understand the situation and the challenges you are facing. From there, we will work together to determine what you or your child needs.
Who I work with best
I do my best work with women and teen girls.
What Michelle treats, and how
Ages & clients
- Adolescents (12–17)
- Young adults (18–25)
- Adults (26–64)
- Older adults (65+)
- Individuals
Areas of focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma / PTSD
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- Grief & loss
- Life transitions
- Relationship issues
- Family conflict
- Parenting challenges
- Self-esteem
- Anger management
- Sleep issues
- Chronic illness / pain
- Sexuality / gender identity
- Men's issues
- Women's issues
Particular experience with
- LGBTQ+
- BIPOC
- Neurodivergent
- Veterans / military
- First responders
- Faith-based clients
- Multicultural
- College students
- Pregnancy / postpartum
Modalities
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic / psychoanalytic
- Person-centered / humanistic
