Michelle Richards

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Counselling/Therapy can help you find a solution that suits you as opposed to a label - for example, a person might be diagnosed as depressive and prescribed antidepressants to alleviate the symptoms, however therapy can also treat the root cause and in doing so, provides an opportunity to develop a different approach to life and how you feel about yourself and others. It can help identify patterns and stop you from making the same mistakes over and over if you choose to.

I am a Postgraduate qualified in Transactional Analysis counselling. I provide therapy for the treatment of PTSD, CPTSD, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, weight, substance dependency and anger issues.
I also offer coaching and mentoring for business development purposes and sports.
Phobias and traumas may often be cured in one session using the Amygdala Desensitisation technique (ADT) also known as Havening. This makes it a very effective and cost efficient treatment, please see fees below.

I work with both couples and individuals. In all cases the initial consultation is Free of charge as it gives us an opportunity to see if we think we can work together.

Where addiction to an activity/substance may appear to be your issue, it might actually be a coping mechanism to alleviate the unwanted feelings and thoughts or to fill the void. Quality counselling can help you break patterns of dependent behaviour and help you experience a new way of living your life authentically.

Coaching and Business development - I have over 20 years experience working in York and London for a large PLC providing coaching, business and personal development. This foundation gave me access to first class training and innovative approaches that help release potential. I have built upon this wealth of experience to create an integrated therapeutic approach based on individual need. As such, I use a wide range of counselling techniques including evidence based concepts such as CBT, Transactional Analysis, Delta wave trauma techniques and mindfulness. The work we embark on will provide you with a confidential space in York or on Skype, to explore your individual needs without judgement. You may have a specific problem to solve or a pattern of behaviour whereby similar problems keep presenting themselves to you. This might raise questions such as "why me?" Or "why am I never satisfied". In Transactional Analysis we would refer to this pattern as 'Script'. The counselling or coaching sessions will help you to understand your Script which will facilitate an opportunity for change.

The work can be long or short term depending on the presenting issue and individual requirements - some people find it useful to return for top up sessions or when another life problem occurs.

I often work face to face in York or Online - In my experience both mediums are effective and together they provide greater flexibility particularly for those who travel or if someone is affected by agoraphobia etc.
Adopting a relational approach, using a Humanistic psychotherapeutic model, I work with individuals, couples and groups.
In addition to Transactional Analysis, I use an integrated therapeutic method incorporating, Person Centered, CBT, Relational TA, Existential , attachment and Psychodynamic therapeutic models - dependent on client need.

I have experience working with both children and adults referred via the NHS or privately. I was CRB checked through my work with young people at the YPI in Hampshire. I also have experience working with Service men and women.

The issues listed above may have been brought about due to military combat,loss, abuse, divorce, family, work related or domestic violence. Conversely, you may not be able to pin point a particular trigger, however this will not stop your recovery. If you have any queries or would like to make an appointment please contact me by email or phone. We can then arrange an initial consultation to see if we think we could work together.