Team

Golden Hour Counseling  is unwaveringly committed to providing inclusive, intentional, and authentic mental health services to our community in Nashville, TN.

Counseling in Nashville

Founder + therapist

Michelle Stafford, LCSW

she/her/hers

I am an Arkansas born, Nashville native of 10 years. I am the middle child of a big, loud, and lovingly chaotic family where I learned my grounded-ness and laid back nature. I grew up Catholic, came out in my early twenties, and have been deconstructing what religion and spirituality means to me since. I can’t imagine a better job than being a therapist. I often end my days feeling mind-blown I get to do this for a living. My hope is that it is incredibly obvious how much I love my job and how wonderful it is to show up for you. I am a life-long learner (a bit of a nerd) and am constantly broadening what I know about therapy and how it can offer relief for my clients. I currently love using EMDR & IFS in session. I consider most difficult moments in life an invitation to practice something that likely does not come naturally for you: letting go of control, allowing yourself to experience your emotions without being consumed, or creating safety in your body following a trauma. I see therapy as an opportunity to take a closer look and bring a different approach to life. 

 

My passion in counseling is creating genuine relationships built on trust, cultivating hope, and creating tangible change. This means I want my clients to feel like they really know me, and I know them. I may share parts of my story that might be applicable to what you’re going through.

 

When I’m not providing therapy, I’m spending time with my partner, training our goofy dogs, and trying desperately to keep my indoor plants alive. I love living in East Nashville and serving the greater TN area.

specialties

"In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers."

Fred Rogers

Services Offered

Approach

Advanced Training

the official stuff

Credentials

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Frequently Asked Questions

These are some typical questions you might have before scheduling a consult call. If it seems like we might be a good fit, please reach out! I’d love to support you.

What is your fee?
  • Individual Therapy: $165 per 50 minute session
  • Extended Trauma Session: $285 per 90 minute session
  • Couple’s Therapy: $185 per 50 minute session
What is therapy with you like?

I do my best to show up as intentionally and authentically as I can. I want it to feel like a back & forth conversation. Many of my clients have said in previous therapy they felt like they were just venting and would have liked more engagement, direction, and feedback from the therapist. I enjoy being an active part of the process and want it to feel like you are getting something out of our time together.

How long does therapy take?

Depends on your goals! It’s ideal to meet weekly for the first 4-6 sessions in order to get a good understanding of you, your story, and your goals. Some people continue to meet weekly after this and enjoy the consistency and support. It’s normal for sessions to space out to every other week and then once a month as things start to feel better. 

Getting Started

How It Works

We want to make this part as easy as possible.

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Free Consultation

In this 20 min call we will talk over what you’ve been going through, answer your questions, and see if we’re the right fit for you!

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The Official Stuff

Sign your consent forms and give us a little bit more detail about your life and your goals so we’ll be prepared for session 1.

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Start Feeling Better

Weekly or biweekly sessions will focus on your goals and doing the intentional work to get you there.

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Golden Hour

Counseling

Visit Us

3250 Dickerson Pike
Nashville, TN 37216
Tel: 615-933-9715

WORKING HOURS

Mon: closed
Tues: 9am-5pm CT
Wed: 9am-5pm CT
Thurs: 9am-5pm CT
Fri: 9am-5pm CT
Sat & Sun: closed

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