Michelle Erford, MSW, LCSW

Michelle is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker who earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University in New York. She also has a double Bachelor’s degree  in Social Work and Spanish from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Michelle has worked with children, teens, adults, and families in a variety of settings, including community mental health, youth non-profits, and Lurie Children’s Hospital. She enjoys guiding her clients as they navigate life transitions/stressors, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, grief and loss (including perinatal), parenting struggles, teen drug and alcohol use/prevention.

Michelle strives to create a warm and empathic environment where clients are motivated to partner with her in the therapeutic process. She helps clients identify and use their strengths to build coping skills and manage life’s challenges. Michelle tailors her approach based on the individual, as everyone has their own unique identities that impact how they navigate their world. She incorporates aspects from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strengths-based and solution-focused therapy, as well as motivational Interviewing. Michelle also understands how each person’s environment influences wellness and mental health, so she works with clients to make changes both internally and in their surroundings.

In her free time, Michelle enjoys game nights, traveling, and taking dance lessons. Michelle is also a co-founder of Faith Seeds International, an educational nonprofit for children in Guatemala.