- Calm direct style
- Focus on sleep
- Evidence-based methods
About Michelle
Michelle Rutherford is an LPC and a therapist based in Louisiana who focuses on helping people manage stress, sleep problems, anxiety, and life changes. She aims to make the first step easier by offering a calm, direct, and compassionate presence in sessions. Michelle wants clients to feel heard and respected while they work through tough problems.
She uses an eclectic mix of evidence-based techniques. Michelle adapts what she uses to each person’s needs instead of relying on a single method. Sessions are conversational and practical, with guidance tailored to real-life concerns like work strain, grief, relationship issues, and problems with focus or mood.
Michelle has four years of clinical experience as a licensed professional counselor. That experience includes helping people face addictions, trauma and abuse, changes in career, and recurring anger or self-esteem struggles. She also supports people who have issues with intimacy, eating, and bipolar disorder management in the context of therapy work.
When sleep and rest are a problem, Michelle looks at daily routines, stressors, and coping tools that affect nighttime and daytime functioning. She helps clients try practical changes and small habits that can add up to better rest. Discussions may include ways to manage racing thoughts, shift expectations, and build steadier routines.
Michelle asks new clients to begin by completing a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to therapist availability. The process is straightforward and designed to connect people with a therapist who matches their needs.
Evidence-based techniques and online care
Michelle uses an eclectic set of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and tailors them to each person's situation. One commonly used approach focuses on behavioral and routine changes to improve sleep and daily functioning; it teaches practical steps to reduce nighttime wakefulness and daytime fatigue. Another approach addresses stress, anxiety, and mood through structured problem-solving and coping skills, helping people notice patterns and try small changes to feel steadier.Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will listen to your concerns, goals, and preferences, then suggest techniques that fit. Together you can try methods and adjust what isn't working until you find a helpful mix.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking since the biography does not list specific formats. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, avoid travel time, and have shorter check-ins when needed. It can also allow sessions to continue during life transitions so therapeutic progress is less likely to be interrupted. Licensed professionals adapt exercises and homework so they work well in remote sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Experience
4+ years
Credentials
Louisiana
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What sorts of concerns does Michelle address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, relationship and intimacy issues, ADHD, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, eating concerns, bipolar disorder, career strain, and compassion fatigue.
What is her general therapy style?
Her approach is relaxed, direct, and compassionate. She uses a blend of evidence-based techniques and adjusts methods to match each person’s needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has four years of experience working as a counselor with a range of concerns from trauma to sleep and mood difficulties.
What credentials and location should I know about?
She holds the LPC credential and practices in Louisiana as a licensed professional counselor.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Michelle?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on therapist availability.