About Michelle
Michelle M. May is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in both Virginia (#0701005989) and Washington, DC (#PRC15518), specializing in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). With a deep passion for helping individuals and couples overcome emotional challenges, she combines her clinical expertise with a compassionate, results-driven approach.
As Chair of the ISTDP Core Training Program at the New Washington School of Psychiatry, Michelle has been teaching and shaping the next generation of therapists since 2019. She is also a Certified Teacher and Supervisor by the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA), providing supervision and specialized training for licensed professionals and organizations.
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Michelle’s Journey
Michelle’s journey to becoming a highly regarded therapist began with a B.A. with Distinction and High Honors in Psychology from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She later earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University.
Before starting her private practice, Michelle worked in the criminal justice mental health system in Alexandria, Virginia, and at The Renascence Center in Arlington.
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A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
In her private practice based in Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC, Michelle works with adults and couples seeking help with anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties. She also has unique expertise in treating physical symptoms like chronic headaches and muscle tension that often lack clear medical causes.
Whether you're seeking individual therapy or looking to strengthen your relationship, Michelle’s holistic approach gets to the root of mental and physical challenges for lasting relief and transformation.
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Author & Educator
Michelle’s book, What I Couldn’t Tell My Therapist, dives into the healing power of intensive dynamic therapy. In addition to her clinical work, Michelle is dedicated to sharing mental health knowledge through workshops, trainings, and consultations for universities, health practices, and organizations.
You can also find her sharing insights and resources on Instagram @michellemmaylpc, where she offers mental health tips and education to a wider audience.
Media Appearances
Get Up DC on WUSA9
Michelle Explores the Pre-Election Impact on Mental Health with Annie Yu
Watch as Michelle joins Annie Yu on WUSA9's Get Up DC to discuss the emotional and psychological effects the pre-election season can have on mental health. From heightened anxiety to the stress of divisive conversations, Michelle shares insights and practical advice to help viewers navigate this intense period with resilience and calm.
Podcasts
Psychobabble with Joe Nucci
Reclaim Podcast
More Than Anxiety Podcast
TMS RoundTable Chronic Pain & Disease Recovery
Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine
Radio
Late Night Health with Mark Alyn
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Super Talk Saturday Morning
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Poppoff with Mary Jane Poppoff
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InterView & InterActions with Linda Strasburg
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Issues Today with Bob Gourley
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Warren in the Morning
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Conversations LIVE
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The Frankie Boyer Radio Show
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Happy and Healthy at Any Age with Robin Pastore
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Del Marva Today
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VoiceAmerica
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Late Night Health with Mark Alyn - Super Talk Saturday Morning - Poppoff with Mary Jane Poppoff - InterView & InterActions with Linda Strasburg - Issues Today with Bob Gourley - Warren in the Morning - Conversations LIVE - The Frankie Boyer Radio Show - Happy and Healthy at Any Age with Robin Pastore - Del Marva Today - VoiceAmerica -
Presentations and Publications
What I Couldn’t Tell My Therapist with the Farley Center - December 11, 2024
Washington Case Conferences - December 13, 2024
Building and Sustaining a Powerful Conscious Therapeutic Alliance: The Six Triangles Framework - January 24, 2024
Upcoming (for mental health professionals only)
Navigating the Goodbyes of Change, International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA) Conference, San Diego, CA, 2024
The Six Triangles of the Conscious Therapeutic Alliance, International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA) Conference, San Diego, CA, 2024
May, M. (2024) Shedding the Masks: Finding Healing in Our Darkest Truths, BookByWomen.org
Finding Hope with Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, Access 304 Fall Mental Health Conference, Shepherd University, September 2024
Introduction to Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, Mates in Mind, Washington, DC, June 2024
Addressing Common Barriers to Treatment in ISTDP, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Child Psychiatry Grand Rounds, 2023
When Change Means Saying Goodbye, Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors (NVLPC) Fall Workshop, 2023
GoodRx Health: “Is an Anxious Attachment Style Affecting Your Relationships? Here’s How to Know”
New York Magazine’s The Cut: “Get Your Toxic Positivity Out of My Face”
Mental Health Mastery YouTube series, Nomina Wellness, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, 2022
New York Magazine’s The Cut: “How Can I Convince My Boyfriend That Therapy Is Worth The Money?”
Defense Recognition, Center for Cognitive Therapy and Assessment, 2023
Defense Recognition for Deep and Lasting Change, Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors (NVLPC) Fall Workshop, 2022
Advanced Anxiety Recognition and Regulation, Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors (NVLPC), 2021
Finding the Cause: A Clinical Exploration Through Video Tape, Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors (NVLPC) Fall Workshop Conference, 2021
Helping Clients See: Defense Recognition for Lasing Change, Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors, 2021
A Brief Introduction to ISTDP, The Wellness Connection, 2021
May, M. (2021). Going Deeper with Anxiety. Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors January 2021 Newsletter
Anxiety in Person and Online: Advanced Assessment and Treatment, Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors (NVLPC) Fall Workshop Conference, 2020
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors (NVLPC), 2019
May, M. (2019). Unresolved. In C. Bauer (Ed.), Voices: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy, 55(2), 18. Albany, NY: American Academy of Psychotherapists
Past
ISTDP Training and Supervision
Certified Supervisor by the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA)
Certified Teacher by the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA)
Chair and Faculty, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) Core Training Program at Washington School of Psychiatry
Supervision and Teaching Training, Jon Frederickson, 2020-2023
Graduate, Washington School of Psychiatry 3-year Core Training certificate program in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
For a complete list of all trainings and supervision, please reach out to Michelle at michellemaylpc@hushmail.com
Professional Memberships and Associations
National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) (NCC #300179)
American Counseling Association (ACA)
International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA)
Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors (NVLPC)
Psychology Today
International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC)
National Honors Society of Counseling
International Honors Society of Psychology
