Michelle LeBrocq
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I'm an experienced UKCP accredited, psychotherapist and have been practising for 28years. I have worked in a diverse range of settings and I am able to apply my psycho therapeutic skills appropriately and draw on a range of psycho therapeutic models to inform my work. I employ an integrative approach utilising Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Cognitive Analytical Therapy with an earlier background in Person Centred Therapy.
I have completed a Diploma in Clinical Supervision and offer clinical supervision. I have particular strengths in occupational stress, anxiety, depression management, eating disorders and early relational trauma. I offer one to one therapy, couple counselling, and group work.
Questions that I have been asked frequently in my practice over the past thirty years.
What is psychotherapy?
Simply put, psychotherapy or talking therapy is a process to help you with a broad variety of mental well-being issues and emotional difficulties. It is a non-judgemental process whereby you can talk through a problem or feelings that are troubling you with a person trained to help you understand your situation. It is not about the giving of advice or saying nice things to make you feel better. It is about respecting you in a way that allows you to decide for yourself what is best for you in an enabling and empowering relationship.
What is the aim of psychotherapy?
To help you understand yourself and your feelings better, get to the root cause of an issue and enable you to make the necessary changes to improve your quality of life. You may even just wish to understand the way that you behave in certain circumstances
How can it help?
Exploring an issue increases your awareness of it, and therapy helps by providing you with a safe environment in which to carry out this exploration. A psychotherapist can help you to uncover patterns, causes and symptoms attached to a problem. Through the therapy process you discover new options and choices, and are then free to choose what changes, if any, you wish to make to start a process of positive change and personal growth.
Do I need to have serious problems to talk to a psychotherapist?
No! If something is weighing on your mind, however trivial it may seem to you, it is not too unimportant to share with a therapist. If something is bothering you, blocking you, preventing you from making the most of your life, then it is important. You may wish to take stock of your life, learn more about your personality or explore how you can become more effective at clarifying and achieving your goals in life. You don’t have to have a “problem”.
Does working with a psychotherapist mean I am too weak to cope with my own problems?
A common fear, but on the contrary, it takes courage to realise and admit you have a problem or difficulty. It is a sign of strength and intelligence to seek outside help to resolve a problem when you have reached a dead end through your own efforts.
What problems do people bring to a psychotherapy?
The list is endless! It may include almost any life dilemma, worry or personal crisis. However, no concern is too trivial or too serious. Common issues include: Relationship/family problems, alcohol and/or drug dependency, loss or bereavement, unplanned pregnancy, general feelings of stress and anxiety, panic attacks, low self esteem or even a simple desire for personal growth.
What happens in a therapy session?
Generally the psychotherapist will work with whatever issue you bring to the session. The methods used will be decided between you, but the overall aim is to help you resolve the issues troubling you. The psychotherapist will discuss various ways of proceeding and help you make the decision on the best path to follow, but the choice is yours.
Is it confidential?
Absolutely, both the fact you are seeing a psychotherapist and the information divulged. Your specific permission is required before sharing information with anybody else.
How many sessions do I need?
This depends on you, the particular issues troubling you and whether you are feeling the benefit. Some issues can be dealt with in a single session, others require a number of sessions. You will be given an indication of sessions required at the initial, assessment consultation.
What can I expect from therapy?
You can expect confidentiality, a non-judgemental attitude, complete respect, lots of encouragement and support, plenty of motivation and honesty and help to –
· Understand where you are now
· Clarify where you want to be
· Help you get there
Your therapist makes a commitment to sessions at mutually agreed times and will make every effort to contact you if they have to cancel a session.
What will you expect from me?
A serious commitment to the therapeutic process, taking responsibility for your own growth and change actions. Keeping appointments or informing me if you have to cancel. Psychotherapy is conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
What can’t therapy do for me?
It can’t make change happen for you or wave a magic wand to make it all better! Making changes requires hard work and commitment from both you and your therapist. Psychotherapy provides the framework to allow changes, but you have to provide the energy and the effort.
How long does a session last?
Generally 50 minutes, but up to an hour may be required for more in-depth work.
What will it cost me?
£70 an hour. Please see fees and availability for details
It is important to find a psychotherapist you can trust and feel comfortable with. Someone you feel can understand your particular problems and who is able to empathise without getting overly involved, who takes time to understand not only what you are saying but what is behind what you are saying.
Do you receive your own psychotherapy or supervision?
The Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute requirement for the post graduate diploma in integrative psychotherapy was that all students were in therapy for the duration of the course which was fours years. Most psychotherapists are committed to their own personal journey of development, and as part of that have had a lot of psychotherapy themselves. I believe that our work on ourselves is a lifelong journey.
As part of my MA in Counselling at John Moore's and Post Graduate Diploma Psychotherapy personal therapy was a parallel obligation for all students.
I have supervision on a monthly basis, by a UKCP approved clinical supervisor. This is to assure that I am practising safely and adhering to the UKCP's code of professional practice.
Do you have experience with my specific problem?
I believe your problems are specific to you and have knowledge and experience of number problems, but I will refer you on to a specialist if I feel that I am not experienced in that particular area.
Training, qualifications & experience
Understanding and Managing Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks 17/3/2024
Trauma, Brian and Recovery (Mind Breakthrough) 16/5/2024 6.5hours
The Worst Kind of Hurt? Working with Infidelity in Couples (Kathleen Mates-Youngman) Nscience 5/11/2021
From Courtship Through to Commitments: Attachment Styles and Intimate Relationships: (Dr Gwen Adshead and Kathleen Mates-Youngman) Nscience Webinar 8/11/2021
Working with Shame Memories Dr Marcela Matos &Dr Stan Steindl. Compassionate Mind Foundation. 22/5/2021`
Working Compassionately with Anger : 26/2/2021 Compassionate Mind Foundation. 26/2/2021.
Retiring the Inner Critic: Linda Graham, Webinar Nscience 21/1/2021
Attachment and Co-Regulation in Therapy:
An Integrative Approach to Healing. Nscience 28/10/2020
Conducting Online Therapy Sessions Part 2:
Remaining Effective and Managing Re-entry Anxiety. Nscience 21/10/2020
The Emotional Regulation Toolkit. Nscience 29/9/2020
Mindful Body Awareness and therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery Nscience 24/9/2020
Conducting online therapy that Delivers. Part 1 Nscience 28/5/2020
Working with EMDR. Delivering and Powerful Focused EMDR using online sessions. Nscience 14/5/2020
The Neuroscience of Therapeutic Attachment . How Clients Develop their Inner resilience and Well-being through conscious compassionate connection . Nscience 29/1/2020
Attachment and Compassion: Working with Deactivated, Dampened Down (Hypoaroused) States Derby 23rd September 2019
Attachment and Compassion: Understanding and working with hyperactivated states the Compassionate Mind Foundation Derby 29th March 2019.
Couple Therapy: Dynamic Approaches for Working With Anger and Aggression. NSCIENCE London March 2019.
Treating Trauma Master Series NICABM November 2018
Compassion Focused Therapy and Depression 2 day Work- Shop (Compassionate Mind foundation Derby) February 2018
Introduction to Solution Focused Brief Therapy Compass 2016
Two day workshop "Understanding Mentilization within Groups 2015 Group Analysis North
Certificate Supervision - (Manchester Psychotherapy Institute) 2014
Shame and Resilience - Redkite Training and therapy 2016
Two day Introduction to using Cognitive Analytic Perspective 2014
Working with Groups- Group Analysis North (one day work shop) 2011
Post-_Graduate Diploma in PSYCHOTHERAPY (Accredited) The Sherwood Psychotherapy Institute 2007-2011
M.Phil Occupational Psychology - John Moores University (Maternity break) 1997-Date
MA Counselling –John Moores University 1996-97
Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling - John Moores University 1994-96
BA Hons Drama - John Moores University 1990-94
RGN Nurse Training - Royal Liverpool Teaching Hospital 1981-84
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
PCSL has been providing a range of counselling, training and drama services to individuals, groups and organisations working with a network of qualified, temporary support staff on an associate basis for over 20 years. We are currently providing occupational counselling services to a number of organisations. We have current contracts with Scottish Power. We also work on an associate basis with Bupa and a variety of EAP providers. We have previously had contracts with Mersey Care and Merseyside Probation Trust Team to provide specialist counselling to clients subject to an “Intensive Alternative to Custody” probation order. PCSL were also contracted with Resettle to run a psychotherapy group for high risk offenders with complex personality disorders. This gives an insight to our values and professionalism and how we are able to understand the client and the recipient of our counselling services. Due to the variety of clinical settings we work in, we are able to expertly assess, and manage complex cases in conjunction with standard Eap referrals.
Fees
£70.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
My standard rate per 50 minute session is £70.
Please read below
Fees are the same for both in-person and video sessions.
I offer a few spaces at reduced rates for those on limited incomes - however these slots are taken at present, but do enquire about availability going forward .Payment is easier and simplest by bank transfer, each payment made in advance of session. For in person sessions, you can pay at the beginning of the session.
If you need to cancel a scheduled session, I will do my best to offer an alternative session during the same week , either in person or via video. However to run my practice fairly and efficiently , if its not possible to reschedule, cancellations with less than 72hrs notice these sessions will be charged in full
When I work
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Although this broad outline of my availability may vary.
Further information
Research Interests
Attachment Theory
Early relational trauma on brain development and affect regulation. Neuroscience. Individual and Organisation Stress in public and private services.
