Michelle Allen, LICSW

Michelle Allen is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing grief, parenting challenges, low self-esteem, ADHD, and life transitions. She offers straightforward support and aims to make the first steps into therapy easier for people who feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Michelle emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in conversations. She listens to what matters most and tailors the session plan to each person’s situation. Sessions focus on practical steps and clearer thinking so clients can try new approaches between meetings.

With four years of professional experience, Michelle has worked with people navigating bereavement, changes in family roles, and the stress that comes with caregiving. She also supports those dealing with infertility, blended family strain, divorce, and financial worries. Her background includes work related to hospice and end-of-life concerns and adoption and foster care matters.

Michelle practices in the District of Columbia and holds a LICSW, which stands for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She conducts sessions in English and is open to working with international clients as arrangements allow.

If you prefer clear goals and a collaborative tone, Michelle’s style centers on making therapy practical and understandable. She helps people set manageable steps and checks in on progress so adjustments can be made as needed.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on practical change and coping. One approach emphasizes breaking problems into manageable steps and practicing new behaviors between sessions, which helps with motivation, ADHD-related challenges, and building confidence. Another approach centers on processing grief and loss in a paced way, allowing people to name what they feel and try simple coping strategies for difficult days.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences, try methods that fit those aims, and adjust the plan based on what is helping. That collaborative process makes it easier to find techniques that feel useful and sustainable.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats before booking since they are not listed here. Online work can make scheduling easier and reduce travel time, which helps people fit sessions into busy days. It can also allow shorter check-ins when a full session is not needed and offer options that do not require being on camera if that feels better for you.