I'm Michelle Lehto Flores, LCPC, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a passion for helping people navigate life's challenges, transitions, and unexpected turns. My path to becoming a therapist has been shaped not only by professional training and experience, but also by my own experiences with grief, change, resilience, and growth. Because of that, I understand that healing isn't always straightforward, and that progress often happens in small but meaningful ways.

I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2017. Since then, I've had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment programs, and community mental health agencies. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the strength people carry, even during some of the most difficult seasons of their lives.

My clinical experience includes working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, relationship challenges, communication difficulties, anger management concerns, substance use, and boundary-setting. I also have extensive experience supporting individuals living with severe mental illnesses such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Schizoaffective Disorder.

Clients often describe me as compassionate, grounded, approachable, and direct. I strive to create a space where you feel safe enough to be yourself, without judgment, pressure, or the expectation that you have everything figured out. My approach is collaborative and strength-based, drawing from person-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques to help you build insight, strengthen communication, develop healthier coping skills, and create meaningful change.

When I'm not working, you'll often find me spending time with my family, training for a race, or hanging out with my dog. Running has become one of the ways I take care of my own mental health, teaching me lessons about perseverance, patience, and showing up for myself even when things feel hard. Those same values often find their way into my work with clients.

Seeking therapy can feel vulnerable, but you don't have to do it alone. Wherever you are in your journey, I'm here to walk alongside you.