Michelle Cage
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This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
I understand just how vulnerable taking these first steps can make you feel. Unfortunately we all experience tough times in life and something has got you to this place. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or low self esteem. Are you wondering why you are feeling the way you are and struggling in other areas of your life such as relationships, family issues or professionally. Or maybe previous life experiences are proving difficult to process.
I'm a qualified person-centred counsellor registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, self esteem, identity issues, ADHD, and relationships. I respect your individuality and tailor my approach to suit your needs and goals. Fundamentally, you are the focus of our work together.
My approach is working with you as an individual. Offering you empathy, understanding and the space to share what is absolutely key for you. Working with a person centred approach means that you have the potential to grow and change in positive ways. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to provide a confidential, safe and supportive space where you can express yourself without fear of judgement. Enabling you to explore your issues, feelings and thoughts in a nurturing environment. My fundamental approach is based upon respect and empathy. Walking alongside you to support you in sharing your needs and issues.
Where appropriate and possible, I can look to integrate other therapeutic models as well as mindfulness, and creative methods. Working to support you to share freely and explore what’s really important to you - however, or whatever that might be. There is no one size fits all.
What is fundamentally important to me as a counsellor is the relationship I develop with you as my client. Counselling is all about this relationship - where you can feel not only heard and listened to but truly seen and supported, enabling you to fully explore what's important to you.
Why choose counselling?
Counselling can be a valuable way to process past or current issues and emotions with a person that is not a friend or family member. It's a neutral space that can enable you to share your story or issues without judgement. Perhaps you need to talk about something you haven't shared before and need an impartial listener.
Counselling can also help to develop and improve your understanding, self-esteem and self-acceptance by encouraging you to trust your instincts. Supporting the development of your own self-compassion by discovering new ways to cope with challenges more effectively.
Location
My practice is based in Hamstreet which is 15 minutes from South Ashford, and is easily accessible from many surrounding locations. Please note there is access to driveway parking.
Where will I be having counselling?
Working from my private practice, I offer a counselling space that has been mindfully curated with warmth and comfort to put you at ease during your session. Designed to be a safe haven where you can freely share and explore.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I hope this introduction has provided you with more information about me and my practice.
Please feel free to reach out to arrange a free introductory call and ask any questions that you may have.
Michelle
Training, qualifications & experience
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills
CPCAB Level 3 Counselling
Registered Member - British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists
Volunteer Counsellor with Ashford Counselling Service
Volunteer with Home Start UK
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
When I work
I am currently working with limited availability/capacity. If there is a particular time that you are looking for then please do discuss this with me. My waiting list has movement.
Further information
I work from my own private practice that I have created mindfully to offer a relaxing, calm and gentle environment.
Offering my clients an environment that adds to the nurturing element of the process. Paying particular attention to lighting, comfort and warmth. It might be that you struggle with harsh lighting or with hot or cold environments. We can look to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Perhaps you like to use a blanket whilst sitting or like the visuals of a candle burning.
I am open to offering an environment that works for you.
