As Featured In

What does it really mean to heal from trauma—not just cope with it? I recently had the privilege of joining the Trauma Therapist Podcast to discuss how trauma shapes the nervous system, impacts relationships, and why healing is possible with the right support. If you’ve ever wondered why anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or self-doubt can feel so difficult to overcome, this conversation offers hope, practical insight, and encouragement.

Identity is deeply personal, yet many people experience the pain of feeling unseen, misunderstood, or invalidated by others. These experiences can impact self-trust, relationships, and emotional safety. Trauma recovery is not only about healing from past events — it is also about rebuilding connection with yourself and creating a sense of belonging. In this article, I explore identity, belonging, and how trauma-informed therapy can support healing after experiences of rejecti

Featured in Time Magazine, Michelle Smith explores why clutter can feel so overwhelming and what your nervous system has to do with it. Learn how anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, and burnout can impact motivation, increase avoidance, and make everyday tasks feel harder than they are. Discover practical, trauma-informed strategies to reduce overwhelm, build momentum, and support emotional well-being.

Michelle Smith, LPC, LMHC, LCMHC, was recently quoted in USA Today discussing personality, connection, and mental health. As a trauma therapist specializing in trauma recovery, EMDR, and clinical hypnosis, Michelle is passionate about helping individuals better understand themselves, heal from past experiences, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I’m honored to share that I’ve been featured for the third time as an expert in Candlelight Magazine Issue 009. In the “Dear Candlelight” column, I respond to heartfelt reader letters about grief processing with compassion and practical guidance. This ongoing opportunity continues to deepen my connection to this meaningful work. Grief often intersects with trauma recovery, and I’m grateful to offer insights that support healing, self-compassion, and nervous system care during

Healing after heartbreak and loss often brings shame, self-blame, and anxiety that can feel overwhelming. In this heartfelt conversation with Charles Olorunfemi, therapist Michelle Smith shares gentle ways to move forward without shame—rebuilding self-worth, releasing self-blame after breakup or relational loss, and nurturing emotional recovery through grief. Discover resilience, self-compassion, and letting go while staying true to yourself.

By Ashley Ryan via Pythian Priestess YouTube Channel Published: August 3, 2025 In this episode of AI and Spirituality, host Ashley is joined by licensed therapist Michelle Smith LPC, LMHC, LCMHC to discuss the growing use of AI chatbots for emotional support and therapy. As AI tools become more prevalent, people are forming parasocial bonds with chatbots, sometimes leading to a phenomenon known as AI-based psychosis. Michelle explains what psychosis is, its symptoms, and how