Individual and Couples Therapy

Expert individual and couples therapy in DC & VA (waiting list open)

Golden wheat field with a solitary tree on the horizon under billowing clouds—symbolizing growth, resilience, and emotional health.

Personalized Individual and Couples Psychotherapy for Lasting Emotional Health & Stronger Relationships

Michelle M. May, LPC, NCC offers transformative therapy services for individuals and couples, drawing on her expertise in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and other therapeutic modalities such as CBT and IFS. She creates a safe, collaborative space where clients work through their challenges. Whether you’re navigating personal problems on your own or facing troubling relationship dynamics together, Michelle designs each session around your individual goals and needs.

Michelle offers teletherapy for individuals and couples who are physically located in DC, Virginia, and Arizona. After August 2026, she will also be able to provide teletherapy in Ohio, Georgia, Louisiana, and Minnesota.

Join the Waitlist

Please note: Michelle is currently not taking new clients, but welcomes you to join her waiting list. If you need professional help or want to learn more about her therapy services, please reach out.

Individual Psychotherapy

Uncover Your Inner Strengths in a Safe, Collaborative Space

Michelle M. May, LPC, NCC specializes in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), which is an accelerated, highly effective form of therapy, and weaves together attachment theory, IFS, CBT, mindfulness, and other psychodynamic interventions.

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety disorders, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, or other personal issues, Michelle creates a safe space where you can uncover hidden processes that cause problems, explore and face difficult emotions, build emotional capacity and resilience, discover new coping strategies, and face reality in a healthy way.

Therapeutic Focuses for Individual Therapy

  • Anxiety & Rumination: Learn to identify the root causes of anxiety and explore practical ways to reduce or even eliminate it.

  • Depression: Compassionate help to uncover the root cause of depression and low moods. Address what’s underneath so it can be treated effectively and begin to reconnect with your true self.

  • Self-Esteem & Confidence: Find the reasons behind low self-esteem to cultivate a grounded, empowered sense of self.

  • Trauma & Shame: Focused work to reclaim emotional safety and well-being.

  • Life Transitions: Support through career changes, relocations, parenting, and more.

  • Relationship Challenges: Insights into patterns affecting your current relationship and broader interpersonal relationships.

What Makes ISTDP Different?

  • Accelerated Emotional Experience and Insight

    Instead of slowly unpacking issues and meandering sessions where you simply recount your week, ISTDP invites you to face unconscious barriers head-on for faster relief.

  • Active Therapist-Client Collaboration

    You and Michelle form a dynamic team – she offers guidance and interventions while you lean into the feelings and resistances that arise.

  • Depth Without Drag

    “Short-term” doesn’t mean superficial or rushed. Treatment length flexes to match your needs, ensuring thorough exploration of unconscious conflicts without unnecessary prolongation or premature endings.

  • Proven Results

    Developed by Dr. Habib Davanloo at McGill University, ISTDP is backed by decades of research and sits alongside other Experiential Dynamic Therapies (EDT), like AEDP and APT.

Couples Counseling & Relationship Therapy

Reconnect, Rekindle, and Renew

As an experienced couples therapist, Michelle specializes in relationship counseling that helps partners overcome relationship distress, rebuild trust, and foster stronger bonds. In each couples session, you’ll learn to balance your own needs with your partner’s needs, deepen emotional connection, and co-create healthy conflict resolution skills.

Therapeutic Focuses for Couples Therapy

  • Communication Breakdowns: Develop clear, compassionate dialogue and effective communication skills.

  • Conflict Resolution: Turn disagreements into opportunities for growth.

  • Intimacy & Sex Therapy: Enhance closeness and rekindle desire.

  • Pre-Marital & Marriage Therapy: Build a strong foundation for lifelong partnership.

  • LGBTQIA+ Relationship Dynamics: Navigate unique challenges with inclusive support.

Evidence-Based Techniques and Approaches for Couples

  • Gottman Method: Practical tools to manage disagreements and increase connection.

  • ISTDP for Couples: Uncover the hidden patterns and barriers that create disconnection and experience deep emotional closeness.

  • Attachment Theory Work: Understand bonding styles and learn to meet attachment needs.

  • Mindfulness Practices: Cultivate presence and reduce reactivity.

  • IFS (Internal Family Systems): Explore internal “parts” that influence your relationship patterns.

More Information about Individual and Couples Psychotherapy

  • Michelle is not currently accepting new clients but does maintain a waitlist. If you are a direct referral, you should inform her.

    Appointments are available Monday through Friday. Her office hours can be found here.

  • Initial Sessions

    • Couples and individuals: Minimum of 90 minutes

    Follow-up Sessions

    • Individual sessions: 45 minutes or more

    • Couples sessions: 90 minutes or more

    Block Therapy

    • Sessions of 2 hours and 15 minutes or more

    • Ideal for out-of-town clients or those interested in extended, more immersive work

    • 90-Minute Individual Session: $500

    • 45-Minute Individual Session: $250

    • 90-Minute Couples Session: $540

    • 45-Minute Couples Session: $270

    Payment is due at the time of service. Payments for psychotherapy may be made by check payable to Michelle M. May, LPC, LLC. A sliding scale fee spot may be available; inquire if needed.

    Michelle is not a participating provider with any insurance programs. She does not accept Venmo or other similar payment methods as they are not yet HIPAA compliant.

  • Michelle is an out-of-network provider. While her fees are often partially reimbursed by insurance, payments must be made upfront. She will provide appropriate paperwork for you to submit to your insurance company if requested.

    It is advised to contact your insurance company before your first session to ask about out-of-network mental health benefits, deductible amounts, reimbursement rates, session limits, and the claims process.

    • Telehealth Sessions: Secure video online therapy is offered only to clients physically located in DC, Virginia, Arizona, and soon Maryland and all states that have gone live on the Counseling Compact, which are currently GA, OH, LA, and MN.

    1. Initial Assessment: Immediately jump in and begin uncovering hidden patterns and barriers that lead to your struggles. Gain clarity on challenges, the task of therapy, and outline goals.

    2. Customized Treatment: You and Michelle will gain insight into the type of therapeutic work that suits you and update it as needed.

    3. Active Engagement and Hard Work: Recognize patterns, anxiety, and defenses that cause unnecessary suffering, work to face what is normally avoided, and process newly unearthed material.

    4. Ongoing Review: Track progress, refine strategies, and celebrate each milestone toward improved emotional health and stronger connections.

FAQs

How do I know if I need individual or couples therapy?

If you’re experiencing individual issues like anxiety, depression, impulsivity, substance use issues, chronic criticism of self or others, trauma, or believe your own issues are contributing to problems in your relationship, start with individual counseling. Michelle can also give more guidance on this once she has met you.

Can I switch therapists later?

Yes! If you ever feel you’d benefit from different therapists, Michelle will help coordinate referrals, ensuring continuity in your healthcare journey.