Lindsay Darnell

LMSW

Therapist

About Lindsay Darnell

Hi, I’m Lindsay Darnell—a clinical social worker who believes therapy should feel like a conversation with someone who truly gets it. Life can feel chaotic, overwhelming, or just plain heavy at times—but you don’t have to carry that weight alone. My role is to meet you where you are, listen without judgment, and help you find the clarity, confidence, and tools to move forward.

I work with teens and adults who are navigating anxiety, trauma, addiction, ADHD, depression, and other mood disorders. My goal is to create a supportive and empowering space where you can explore what’s holding you back and start writing a new chapter—one rooted in resilience, growth, and self-compassion.

💬 How I Work

My approach is grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy, with techniques tailored to fit your individual needs and goals. I integrate:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help process trauma and reframe distressing memories.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) to strengthen your drive toward positive change.

SMART Recovery principles for substance use recovery and behavioral challenges.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify patterns of thought and behavior that may be holding you back.

Crisis Intervention and Stress Management tools to help you find balance and emotional stability.

Whether you’re healing from trauma, navigating identity, or working toward sobriety, I’ll walk beside you with care and accountability. My therapy style is warm, collaborative, and real—because growth happens when you feel safe enough to be yourself.

🌈 LGBTQIA+ and Neurodiversity-Affirming Care

I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces for every client. I specialize in LGBTQIA+ care, including gender-affirming therapy following WPATH guidelines. I also work extensively with neurodivergent clients—especially those managing ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders—to develop self-awareness and strategies for thriving in a neurotypical world.

You’ll never be asked to change who you are in my office. Instead, we’ll focus on helping you embrace it.

🧠 Who I Help

I have experience supporting clients through:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma

Addiction and Substance Use Recovery

Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders

ADHD and Neurodivergence

Family Conflict and Relationship Issues

Women’s Issues, Self-Esteem, and Identity Development

Coping with Grief, Loss, and Life Transitions

Self-Harm and Emotional Regulation Challenges

No matter what you’re facing, we’ll work together to uncover your strengths and build skills for lasting change.

💡 What You Can Expect

In our sessions, you can expect empathy, humor, and a sense of genuine connection. We’ll celebrate your wins, unpack the hard stuff, and find moments of lightness along the way. I believe that healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, grace, and learning to see yourself through a kinder lens.

Each session is uniquely yours. Some days might be about practical coping tools, while others focus on deep reflection or simply finding the space to breathe. My goal is always the same: to help you become the best version of yourself, one small step at a time.

❤️ A Little About Me

I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Wayne State University, specializing in interpersonal practice and family systems. I’m certified in EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, SMART Recovery, and Crisis Intervention. My background includes work with youth, families, and adults in clinical, community, and healthcare settings, which taught me one essential truth—healing happens when people feel safe, seen, and supported.

When I’m not in session, you’ll probably find me exploring local coffee shops, spending time outdoors, or enjoying quiet moments with family and friends. Like therapy, I believe in balance—a little structure, a little spontaneity, and plenty of compassion.

At Ellie Mental Health in Novi, we believe therapy should feel approachable, human, and empowering. You won’t find cold clinical spaces here—just warmth, authenticity, and real conversations that lead to real change.

You deserve to feel grounded, hopeful, and at peace. Let’s take that first step together. Schedule today, and let’s start building the life you want to live.