Michelle Cantrell, LPCC, Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Growth and Connection

Owner and Clinical Director

Michelle Cantrell, LPCC

As a Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor, I love helping people experience more success in their relationships. So many individuals and couples come to me having had great success in their professional lives while struggling in their most important relationships. Whether I’m working with an individual or a couple, I help clients have healthier relationships with others and themselves, improve their connection with their partners, and become more effective at getting their relational needs met. In addition to EFT, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and draw extensively from Internal Family Systems (IFS), as well as other evidenced-based approaches.

In my practice, I prioritize quality therapy and personalized care. One way I ensure this is by consciously restricting the number of clients I take on. Beyond therapy sessions, I invest time in reading, learning, researching, and gathering resources to tailor each session effectively for my clients' needs.

Services I provide:

Individual Therapy: Treatment approaches include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), mindfulness, somatic awareness, and self compassion enhancement.

Couple Therapy: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Group Therapy: Psycho-education and open processing.

Coaching: I help clients get out of their own way to unlock their hidden potential and level up in their professional lives.

Licensed in California (LPCC12896), Virginia (0701007352) and the District of Columbia (PRC200001861)

Education & Credentials

  • Private practice established in 2014

  • Licensed in the state of California (license number LPCC12896) as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

  • Licensed in the state of Virginia (license number 0701007352) as a Licensed Professional Counselor

  • Licensed in the District of Columbia (license number PRC200001861) as a Licensed Professional Counselor

  • M.Ed in Community Agency Counseling, George Mason University, 2014

  • BA in English Literature, George Mason University, 1995

  • Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor

  • EMDR Trained

  • Post Induction Therapy (PIT) training for treating developmental trauma

  • Level 1 Certification for treating Complex Trauma

  • IFS Informed

  • Clinical Internship with Loudoun County Mental Health and Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, 2013-2014