Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Smith LPC, LMHC. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michelle, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
The question “How do you find purpose?” is one of the most profound and essential ones we can ask ourselves and one I return to constantly in my work as a mental health therapist. For so many of my clients, it’s like a lighthouse calling us home when we’re adrift at sea in a dark, stormy night. You may be feeling distant at first, flickering through the chaos, but steady and unwavering once we tune in. It guides us back to ourselves, reminding us that purpose isn’t something we “achieve” once and for all. It’s something we cultivate, rediscover, and realign with through life’s inevitable shifts.
I knew from a very early age that my calling was to be of service to others. In high school, my first AP Psychology class captivated me. I remember learning for the first time the way the brain works, the mysteries of why people do what they do, and the endless potential to support our shared humanity. It felt like unlocking a deeper understanding of what it means to be alive and connected.
That sense of purpose deepened during my graduate studies, but it was profoundly tested when my father passed away from cancer, suddenly and unexpectedly. In an instant, everything I thought I understood about life, loss, and meaning was stripped away. I found myself grieving deeply while simultaneously walking alongside clients who were navigating their own storms of grief, uncertainty, and reinvention. It was humbling and heartbreaking, forcing me to redefine purpose not as a fixed destination, but as an active, resilient choice.
What emerged from that darkness was a powerful reminder: as humans, everything external can change or be taken from us in a moment. Our relationships, health, plans, even loved ones. Yet we always remain in control over how we respond, the person we choose to become, and the values we let guide our actions. I learned this as one of my first lessons in graduate school from Viktor Frank’s incredible book and story of surviving the Holocaust in “Man’s Search for Meaning”.
For me, those core values of compassion, authenticity, presence, and service became my anchor. They helped me rebuild not just as a person, but as the therapist I am today: someone who holds space for others to explore their own purpose while honoring my own through every session.
In my practice now, I support clients in finding (or rediscovering) their lighthouse. Whether through exploring values, reconnecting with what lights them up, processing grief or trauma, or simply giving themselves permission to rest and listen inward. Purpose often reveals itself not in grand epiphanies, but in quiet, consistent choices: showing up with kindness toward ourselves and others, leaning into what feels meaningful even amid uncertainty, and trusting that the light within us is enough to guide us home.
So, how do I find purpose? I keep returning to the same lighthouse, service rooted in deep empathy and the belief that every human deserves to feel seen, supported, and whole. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. And in guiding others toward theirs, I find my own renewed every day.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My private practice, at its heart, is about helping people reclaim their lives from the grip of trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, perfectionism, grief, and the invisible ways past experiences keep us stuck, even when we intellectually “know better” if we are not feeling better it is likely due to some form of unresolved trauma. I always describe this to clients like a volcano. It may be able to stay dormant for a long time but when the right circumstances erupt you feel those old thoughts, behaviors, experiences coming up as if no time has passed.
For over 10+ years, I’ve worked as a trauma-focused therapist, specializing in rewiring the subconscious mind. We know that roughly 90-95% of our brain operates on autopilot through subconscious patterns, beliefs, and automatic responses. So much of what drives our emotions, behaviors, and even physical symptoms lives below the surface of conscious awareness. That’s why I integrate powerful, evidence-based techniques designed to reach and gently reshape that deeper layer: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Clinical Hypnosis, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic experiencing and other body-based approaches, parts work, and nervous system regulation tools.
I work with individuals, couples, and groups, offering both traditional weekly therapy and intensive therapy options for clients who need accelerated healing and faster relief. This may be due to life transitions, compound grief, chronic pain, relational ruptures, or deep-seated trauma that has lingered for years. A cornerstone of my practice is teaching clients how to work with their nervous system and cultivate a profound sense of internal safety. When the body learns it can feel safe again, everything else including our relationships, self-worth, creativity, rest and so much more begins to shift in beautiful, sustainable ways.
I provide fully virtual services for ease of access to therapy, I’m licensed in New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, and Oregon, which allows me to support clients across the United States and internationally. This accessibility means people can do this deep work from the comfort and safety of their own space, no matter where life has taken them.
Something exciting I’m launching in 2026 is a 9-week group therapy session specifically for folks navigating chronic illness and pain management. We know the mind-body connection is incredibly powerful and how stress, trauma, and unprocessed emotions can amplify physical symptoms, and conversely, how tending to the nervous system and subconscious can bring meaningful relief and improved quality of life.
Group therapy creates a unique container for healing: being witnessed and witnessing others in community reduces isolation, normalizes experiences, and accelerates insight and hope. I’m thrilled to offer this accessible, supportive cohort starting this spring!
If any of this resonates, I invite you to visit my website at www.michellesmithlmhc.com. There, you can learn more about my services, sign up for my newsletter (where I share free resources, updates, and gentle reminders for nervous system care), or schedule a free 15-20 minute consultation to explore whether working together feels like the right next step.
Ultimately, my practice is about meeting people exactly where they are with compassion, curiosity, and the belief that healing is possible, even (and especially) after profound loss or challenge. It’s an honor to walk alongside clients as they rediscover safety, connection, and purpose in their bodies, relationships, and lives.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey as a therapist, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: curiosity, compassion, and interconnectedness. These aren’t just nice-to-have traits—they’ve been the foundation of how I’ve shown up for clients, navigated my own challenges, and grown into the work I do today.
First, curiosity was ignited early for me, right in that high school AP Psychology class. Approaching humans through a lens of genuine curiosity and asking “What’s happening here?” rather than jumping to judgment or bias has been transformative. It allows me (and my clients) to explore experiences without shame, uncovering the “why” behind behaviors, emotions, and patterns in a way that’s open and non-pathologizing.
In therapy, this stance dissolves defensiveness, builds trust, and opens doors to deeper insight and self-discovery. Curiosity calms the nervous system, fosters hope by revealing new possibilities, and acts as the antidote to rigid thinking or self-criticism.
Second, compassion both for others and, crucially, for myself has been the gentle force that makes healing sustainable. It’s the quality that lets us hold space for pain without rushing to “fix” it, offering kindness to wounded parts of ourselves and others. In my practice, compassion pairs perfectly with curiosity: it softens the edges so exploration feels safe rather than threatening. This has been especially vital after personal losses, like my father’s sudden passing, when I had to extend that same grace inward to keep showing up authentically for clients.
Third, interconnectedness and my deeply rooted belief that humans are far more alike than different has shaped everything. We all navigate the same universal experiences: change, uncertainty, profound loss, joy, resilience. IFS (Internal Family Systems) and parts work reinforce this beautifully through systems thinking: we are collective by nature, with inner “parts” interacting like members of a family or community. When someone in our world triggers us, curiosity invites us to look inward by saying, “What part of me is being activated here? What old wound or need is surfacing that needs healing?” turning relational friction into profound self-awareness and growth. This interconnected view reminds us we’re not isolated in our struggles; we’re part of a shared human system, which reduces shame and amplifies empathy, connection, and collective healing.
For folks early in their journey whether aspiring therapists, helping professionals, or anyone seeking personal growth my advice is simple but powerful: cultivate these three qualities intentionally, starting small and consistently.
For curiosity: Practice it daily as a stance. When you notice judgment (toward yourself or others), pause and gently ask open questions: “What’s underneath this feeling?” or “What might this part be trying to protect?” Read widely, listen to diverse stories, and approach differences with wonder rather than conclusion. Over time, this builds neural pathways for non-judgmental exploration.
For compassion: Start with self-compassion it’s the gateway to everything! Use simple practices like placing a hand on your heart during hard moments and offering kind words you’d give a dear friend. Extend it outward naturally. Remember, compassion isn’t weakness; it’s strength that allows deeper connection without burnout.
For interconnectedness: Lean into systems thinking notice how your inner world mirrors outer relationships, and vice versa. Explore IFS or parts work through books (like Richard Schwartz’s No Bad Parts), workshops, or therapy. Remind yourself regularly: “We’re all in this together.” When triggers arise, use curiosity to trace them back to shared human needs rather than seeing them as personal attacks.
One piece of advice that changed everything for me came from an early supervisor who said bluntly: “Michelle, it’s important that you gently yet directly call out what you see for your clients. If you don’t, you’re essentially stealing their money. Why would they pay you if they could just vent to a friend for the same 50 minutes?”
That hit deep for me. It instilled confidence and courage. Today every session I step into I aim to regulate my own nervous system first so I can hold curiosity and compassion while also having the bravery to point out connections, patterns, or blind spots. That’s where the real healing happens not in endless validation, but in kind, courageous truth-telling that builds awareness and empowers change.
If you’re just starting out, seek mentors who model this balance, prioritize your own inner work, and trust that these qualities compound over time. They don’t just help your clients they heal and guide you, too. Keep showing up with an open heart; the journey unfolds from there!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, absolutely! I’m always open to thoughtful partnerships and collaborations that ultimately serve clients in deeper, more holistic ways.
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s most powerful within community. When clients have a supportive network whether that’s their therapist, physician, psychiatrist, nurse, caretaker, hospice team, divorce attorney, or other providers they feel truly held. That interconnected web of care reduces isolation, ensures continuity, and allows for better outcomes, especially for those navigating complex challenges like trauma, chronic illness, grief, relational transitions, or end-of-life care. In my practice, I make it a priority to collaborate with a client’s broader care team whenever appropriate and consented to. It creates a sense of safety and shared purpose that amplifies the work we do together in session.
I’m particularly interested in connecting with:
Doctors and psychiatrists who manage medical or psychiatric aspects of care (e.g., for clients with chronic pain, illness, fertility treatments, or mental health conditions requiring integrated support).
Nurses, hospice workers, and other caretakers who are on the front lines with clients experiencing serious illness, loss, or caregiving burnout.
Divorce attorneys or family law professionals who see clients during high-stress relational transitions and want to refer for emotional/trauma support.
Other therapists, clinicians, or providers (e.g., somatic practitioners, nutritionists focused on mind-body health, reproductive specialists, or holistic wellness professionals) who share a trauma-informed, compassionate approach and value cross-referral or co-care coordination.
If you’re reading this and any of that resonates or if you’re someone who regularly sees people in pain, transition, or healing and believes in the power of a collaborative care team I’d love to hear from you!
Whether it’s building a referral network, occasional consultation on shared clients (with proper releases), co-hosting workshops/groups, or simply exchanging resources, I’m open to exploring what could be mutually supportive.
The easiest way to connect is to visit my website at www.michellesmithlmhc.com and schedule a free 15-20 minute consultation through the booking link (it’s set up specifically for professionals too). You can also email me directly at [email protected]
Feel free to introduce yourself, share a bit about your work, and let me know what kind of collaboration might feel meaningful and we can start with a casual chat and see where it goes
Thank you for considering partnership. Together, we can help more people feel seen, supported, and surrounded by care that extends far beyond any single 50-minute session!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michellesmithlmhc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellesmithlmhc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellesmithcounseling/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-smith-lpc-lmhc-lcmhc
- Other: Google Business:
https://share.google/qfcGnFIHpSVkJw5EU
Image Credits
Michelle Smith LPC, LMHC, LCMHC
Headshots taken by Brooke Claybaker Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
