Michelle Rudd

Life can be tough - depression, anxiety, trauma, grief -  the list can go on and on.  If you are looking for a therapist I am guessing that you are tired of trying to find a way out of your distress alone. I would like to congratulate you on taking the first, and probably the hardest, step - reaching out for help. I hope I can provide what you're looking for. I am a foundation-degree trained person centred therapist. That means that I believe that everyone is the expert on their own experience. I won't tell you what to do, and I certainly won't judge you, whatever you tell me. Together we can make a map and take a few steps on the road towards whatever outcome you are seeking. I am experienced in working with clients who bring a wide range of emotional distress to our sessions. I specialise in working with people who have experienced trauma and abuse, particularly domestic abuse, and I understand that trauma can have far reaching and profound effects but I am absolutely sure that there is hope for a future of joy, peace and recovery. My goal is for my clients to leave each of our sessions with the knowledge that they are safe, understood and respected and that this will help them to discover their own emotional safe place, self-knowledge and self-respect. 

I am gender-affirming, kink-aware, polyamory positive and LGBTQ+ friendly and have experience with working with clients with a range of neurodiversity. Please don't sit and wonder if this therapist will accept you as you are, a whole person. The answer is yes! 

Gender affirming, LGBTQ+ friendly, polyamory positive and kink-aware. Neurodiversity positive and trauma informed. Whoever you are and whatever you are going through, you will find acceptance, compassion and empathy with me. 

I usually suggest that clients plan for an initial twelve sessions. However, you are in charge of your own therapy and we can work with a number of sessions that are feasible and realistic for your schedule and budget. I reserve a very few low cost sessions every week for clients experiencing severe trauma and/or abuse so please feel free to contact me if you are in need of counselling but unsure if it is financially possible and I can discuss my availability.

I work face to face with clients across the West Mercia region - Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire. Alternatively, we can hold our sessions online; this can work well for clients who have a quiet, private and confidential place to spend an hour, and technology such as a laptop or smartphone. In certain circumstances, I can also offer telephone counselling. I offer a free introductory 30 minute consultation, usually by telephone or online, so that we can determine whether we can work together well, and you can tell me about your circumstances and the reason you are seeking counselling. After that, we will meet regularly for sessions lasting 50 minutes; clients often tell me that this is their first experience of being listened to and really heard, and this can have a profound effect.  My aim is for my clients to leave their sessions feeling safe and respected and that this will lead them to find their own emotional safety and self-respect as a result of our therapeutic work.