Michelle LeBrocq

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.

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.

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 

Research Interests
Attachment Theory
Early relational trauma on brain development and affect regulation. Neuroscience. Individual and Organisation Stress in public and private services.