Michelle Byrd, LCPC, NCC
Therapist
Lead Trainer
Anxiety Counseling Specialist
Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor
Hi, I'm Michelle. I help young adults and professionals create lasting change.
I am passionate about the development and holistic well-being of youth and young adults. My 20+ years of experiencing working with youth and young adults has helped me appreciate the unique development of each individual.
With all of the pressure young adults face today, it makes sense that things feel overwhelming. It can be hard to find space to hear yourself think. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed right now with all that's going on. You may be feeling fear, anxiety, worry, and uncertainty. If fear and anxiety is affecting your ability to live your life, then it may be time to get counseling.
I believe the key to change is knowledge, awareness, an avenue for healing and a positive mindset. I start by first understanding the type of change you desire, then helping you mobilize next steps. Together, we'll explore how to get to a place where your ups and downs in life are manageable instead of overwhelming.
You can create the life you want to live. Book your intake consultation with me by clicking on this link, or email [email protected].
On Being a Counselor
I believe people thrive when they feel supported and empowered. I help young adults and high-achieving professionals break free from the cycle of anxiety and self-destructive behaviors. Through non-judgemental understanding, I provide a space where you can feel completely safe and open up. Together, we will identify strategies to help you thrive.
My approach is holistic and integrative. I draw from a variety of theoretical approaches to tailor therapy to your unique needs. Our work focuses on helping you gain insight and strategies designed to empower you and build on your inner strengths.
Counseling can help you manage anxiety and feel confident in all areas of your life. Through a collaborative relationship, you will discover tools to make your life better. Whether you want to remove obstacles to achieving your goals, improve relationships with loved ones, or finally break the cycle of problem drinking, you can expect a counseling relationship that is comforting, encouraging, and supportive.
You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect while in the process of working towards self-transformation. I am sensitive to intersectional and contextual factors that may hinder the effectiveness of collaboration such as gender, race, culture, religion, age, and disability. Together, we'll explore how to get to a place where your ups and downs in life are manageable instead of overwhelming.
Practitioner Background
I am in this field because I have a spirit for serving others. My commitment to excellent care comes first and foremost. You are important. In a world that often denies people the right to live a life of peace and fairness, I believe that the clinical office is one place where you should feel known, validated, and respected.
I have been a counselor for more than 20 years working with students in schools and youth in church. I decided to return to school to get my degree in counseling when I realized that the people I was working with could use more extensive assistance in their healing process.
Today, I continue to be inspired by the "aha" moments of my clients as they discover the tools to make their lives better. I am here to help you obtain the tools needed to assure personal growth while promoting self-awareness and providing holistic treatment.
If you feel confused or scared, you are not alone. As your counselor, I will help you explore your values, consider your decisions, and feel good about your future by revealing your true direction. You will get strategies achieve lasting and immediate change. Together, we will help you get in the driver's seat of your life.
I have extensive experience helping young people who struggle with behavior change. I understand that these behaviors were not learned overnight, and they will not change overnight. I will work with you at your level of change you feel both comfortable and confident achieving your goals. Our work will focus on helping you practice new skills while also healing from painful experiences.
You can start on a path of healing today. Let's discover how I can help. Reach out to schedule your first appointment. When you call our scheduling line, our Intake Coordinator can answer any questions you might have. To schedule your first appointment, click on this link or email [email protected]. I'm here for you.
More About Michelle
Key Philosophical Beliefs
- Young adults can achieve rapid and remarkable change.
- Challenging experiences reveal inner strengths.
- Behavior change occurs by first understanding the whole person.
- Empowerment to change begins through a relationship of caring and respect.
Counseling Training
- Master's in Counseling (MA), Chicago State
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Training
- Family Systems Training
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Training
- Solution-Focused Therapy Training
- Crisis Intervention
Specializations and Experience
- Christian background
- Youth and young adult counseling
- Anxiety management and recovery
- Mood disorder management
- Anxiety management and recovery
- Healing Centered Engagement counseling
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling
- Training seminars
- Educational support
Michelle as a Person
I was born and raised on the West side of the Chicago. Since then, I have lived in Hinsdale, IL, Maywood, IL and Atlanta, GA.
I love reading books, movies, traveling, and people watching, specifically watching youth have fun! My favorite things to do in Chicago include walking on the beach, watching plays and just walking around downtown.
