Amy Elam, LMSW
Experienced Michigan therapist for teens and young adults
- CBT focus
- Teen and college clients
- School social work experience
About Amy Elam
Amy Elam is a Michigan-licensed therapist with 30 years of professional experience, offering thoughtful, experienced care for teens, young adults, and families. She holds an LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker - and has developed a strong focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, helping people address stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, motivation, and relationship challenges.
In addition to private practice work with teenagers and college-aged clients, she serves as a school social worker supporting middle school students. That combined experience gives her a practical understanding of the special education process and evaluation, and informs her approach when guiding families and young people through educational and emotional concerns.
Amy emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in every interaction. She adapts conversations and treatment plans to fit each client’s unique needs, drawing on evidence-informed methods while remaining attentive to individual strengths and goals. Whether addressing attachment and abandonment issues, communication and commitment difficulties, or broader life changes, she aims to create a collaborative, client-centered experience.
Recognizing that beginning therapy takes courage, Amy affirms that taking the first step is significant and supports clients as they move toward clearer coping strategies and improved well-being.
In addition to private practice work with teenagers and college-aged clients, she serves as a school social worker supporting middle school students. That combined experience gives her a practical understanding of the special education process and evaluation, and informs her approach when guiding families and young people through educational and emotional concerns.
Amy emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in every interaction. She adapts conversations and treatment plans to fit each client’s unique needs, drawing on evidence-informed methods while remaining attentive to individual strengths and goals. Whether addressing attachment and abandonment issues, communication and commitment difficulties, or broader life changes, she aims to create a collaborative, client-centered experience.
Recognizing that beginning therapy takes courage, Amy affirms that taking the first step is significant and supports clients as they move toward clearer coping strategies and improved well-being.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBody imageCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)EmptinessForgivenessImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Amy Elam have?
Amy Elam has 30 years of experience in professional social work and therapeutic practice.
Is Amy Elam a licensed therapist?
Yes, she holds these credentials: LMSW. License details: MI LMSW 6801089716.
In which languages does Amy Elam provide therapy?
Amy Elam provides therapy in English.
Where is Amy Elam located?
Amy Elam is located in Michigan.
How can I work with Amy Elam as my therapist?
You can work with Amy Elam through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Amy Elam work with international clients?
Yes, Amy Elam works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Amy Elam cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Amy Elam
Amy Elam uses Client-Centered Therapy to create a respectful, empathetic space where clients lead the conversation and their individual values and goals shape the work. This approach supports people who need a collaborative, validation-focused environment to explore identity, relationships, and self-esteem concerns.She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - which helps clients identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and build practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT is often useful for problem-focused goals and improving daily functioning.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT - techniques may be introduced when emotional regulation, impulsivity, or intense interpersonal conflict are central concerns. DBT offers concrete tools for managing strong emotions, improving communication, and reducing impulsive reactions.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Amy works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts strategies over time as progress is made.
Online therapy offers flexible options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access licensed professionals from different locations, while allowing therapists to tailor communication styles to each client’s comfort and needs.