Emerge Essentials, LLC
Hello! I'm Dr. Michelle G. Clay
Dr. Michelle G. Clay is a dedicated mental health professional, educator, and advocate with a passion for guiding individuals toward transformation and success. A native of Charleston, SC,
and a proud mother of three, Dr. Clay holds a Doctorate in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior, a Master’s in Counseling, and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice.
Since 2011, Dr. Clay has been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Supervisor of Counselors. Her credentials include Licensed Addictions Provider, National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Trauma Provider, Board Certified Tele-Mental Health Provider, and Certified Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Provider. Additionally, she is a Certified SYMBIS Facilitator for marriage therapy and a Certified Trainer of Childcare Providers through SC Endeavors.
Dr. Clay’s mission is to empower individuals and communities through education, counseling, and advocacy. She has been actively involved in community work since 2001, conducting workshops for parents, professionals, and organizations on mental health, parenting, self-care, and professional development. Currently, she is developing workshops focused on college student success, self-care for therapists and clients, and strengthening marriages.
With a deep commitment to social impact, Dr. Clay is spearheading an initiative to provide Black males with mentorship and academic support throughout their school years and into college. She believes in fostering meaningful conversations and providing resources that create lasting change. Her personal mission is reflected in her tagline: "Guiding Change, Elevating Potential."


Dr. Michelle Clay
LPC, LPCS
Phone:
Email:
Address:
808 Kinlock Court, Columbia, SC 29223

Resume
Professional Summary
Experienced counselor, facilitator and coaching professional with over 20 years of expertise in mental health, education, and professional development. Adept at delivering ICF-accredited training, mentoring, and facilitating group discussions to enhance coaching skills and close performance gaps. Proficient in creating data-driven solutions to achieve individual and organizational success.
Key Qualifications
-
Masterful delivery of ICF core competencies and evidence-based practices.
-
Skilled in group facilitation, coaching mentorship, and performance feedback.
-
Proficient in virtual learning systems and instructional methods.
-
Strong ability to design, evaluate, and adapt curriculum for diverse learners.
-
Experienced in fostering a growth mindset and promoting leadership development.
Education
2023
Doctorate in Advanced Studies of Human Behavior
Capella University, Minneapolis, MN
2008
Master of Arts in Counseling
Webster University, Columbia, SC
1995
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Professional Licenses
-
Licensed Professional Counselor, SC LLR Board #5337
-
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS), SC LLR Board #5747
-
Licensed Addictions Counselor SC LLR Board #309
-
Certified Pre-Marital Symbis Facilitator
-
Certified Trainer for SC Endeavor
-
Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider
-
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Professional Certifications
-
Board-Certified Tele-mental Health Provider.
-
Certified Trainer for SC Endeavor
-
Certified Symbis Pre-Marital Provider (certificate of completion included
-
Certified Motivational Interviewer
-
Certified Trauma-Focused Provider
-
National Certified Counselor
Key Strengths
Teaching and Facilitation
-
Experience as a certified trainer conducting professional development workshops for SC Endeavors since 2010.
-
Attended Train the Trainer Workshops
-
Held community workshops at schools, community organizations, conferences, companies, and the community at large
-
Teaching roles at multiple educational institutions, including Webster University and ITT Technical College, where she engaged students with innovative learning strategies.
Coaching and Mentoring
-
Direct coaching, mentoring and supervision of emerging counselors and clients, to include mentoring sessions to foster professional growth.
-
Provide high school workshops for parents and students about ensuring a good transition from high school to college through communication and educating themselves about school.
-
Teaching middle and high school students the importance of keeping their grades.
-
Working with students to identify what they want to do after high school.
-
Assist students in researching colleges that offer their interest.
-
Giving students and adults homework that helped them change negative behaviors that hindered them from reaching goals.
-
Mentor high school females through workshops offered by my sorority
Data-Driven and Evidence-Based Practices
-
Integration of behavioral health care with primary care providers.
-
Leadership in developing treatment plans and presenting at conferences.
Group Facilitation
-
Conducted workshops and group discussions at conferences and community events, focusing on mental health and developmental issues.
Research and Continuous Improvement
-
Published dissertation on the challenges Black males face in education, providing insights relevant to developing educational coaching programs.
Additional Skills
-
ICF Core Competencies: Experience mentoring counselors and providing feedback aligns with coaching methodologies and core competencies.
-
Facilitation Skills: Proficiency in delivering workshops, mentoring, and fostering meaningful group discussions is critical to the facilitator role.
-
Leadership Development: Expertise in behavioral analysis and training supports individual and organizational growth.
-
Analytical Skills: Using data and evidence-based methods to improve program outcomes mirrors the role's requirements for performance improvement solutions.
Professional Organizations
-
Member, American Counseling Association (ACA)
-
Member, Delta Mu Delta Honor Society
-
SC Counseling Association
-
Mental Health Counselors Association
-
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated