About Michelle
LCSW-C | Founder of Compass Counseling
I’m a Baltimore-based psychotherapist offering virtual therapy for adults throughout Maryland.
Before starting Compass Counseling, I spent more than a decade as an oncology and palliative care Social Worker at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
That experience continues to guide my work today, blending evidence-based approaches with a calm, compassionate presence.
Areas of Focus:
I specialize in supporting people facing illness, cancer, caregiving, grief, and life transitions, times when life feels uncertain and the usual tools stop working.
I also help adults cope with trauma, anxiety and depression find steadiness, self-understanding, and sustainable ways to care for themselves.
How I Work:
My style is conversational and relaxed. I ask questions and guide clients in tackling challenges from different perspectives. I use CBT, EMDR, DBT, IFS and mindfulness, tailoring therapy to your needs. Together we’ll focus on relief in the moment while building coping skills, and a sense of renewed hope.
Professional Background:
Before founding Compass Counseling, I led caregiver and grief support groups, trained healthcare professionals in communication and resilience, and contributed to research on meaning and dignity in serious illness.
Those experiences continue to shape my practice, combining deep clinical skill with warmth, humility, and respect for each person’s story.
Outside of work, I find grounding in the same things I encourage my clients to seek, time in nature, creativity, and connection.
I love backpacking in the mountains, connecting with my book club of over a decade, making pottery, and sharing porch dinners with my partner and our two cats, Edgar and Buster.
