About me
Experienced Counsellor & EMDR Therapist – 25+ Years' Experience
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or struggling to cope with something that has happened in your life? Perhaps you're experiencing the effects of trauma, relationship difficulties, low confidence or a significant life change.
I am a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist with over 25 years' experience, supporting adults, couples and young people.
I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about what is happening without fear of being judged. My aim is to help you feel heard and understood, make sense of what you're experiencing and work towards feeling more able to cope and move forward.
I work with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, trauma, PTSD, panic attacks, stress, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and difficult life experiences.
I also have particular experience supporting women through perimenopause and menopause, including the emotional and psychological impact these changes can have on anxiety, mood, confidence, relationships and everyday life.
EMDR Therapy
I am a qualified EMDR Therapist and offer EMDR to adults experiencing the effects of trauma and distressing life experiences.
EMDR can be helpful when difficult experiences continue to affect you in the present, whether through intrusive memories, anxiety, panic, heightened emotions, avoidance or feeling constantly on edge.
You don't have to have experienced one single major traumatic event for EMDR to be relevant. Sometimes experiences that have built up over time can continue to affect how you feel about yourself, your relationships and everyday life.
EMDR is a structured therapeutic approach, and I work at a pace that feels manageable and appropriate for you. We will take time to understand what you need and ensure that you feel comfortable with the process.
If you're wondering whether EMDR could help you, you don't need to know exactly what you need before getting in touch. We can talk about what's happening for you and explore whether EMDR or another therapeutic approach may be appropriate.
My Experience
With over 25 years' experience as a counsellor and psychotherapist, I have supported many people through periods of anxiety, distress, relationship difficulties, trauma, loss and significant life changes.
I have particular experience supporting clients experiencing anxiety, including excessive worry, panic, stress, low confidence and feeling overwhelmed.
I also support women experiencing emotional difficulties associated with perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal changes and the transition through menopause can affect mood, confidence, sleep, relationships and how able we feel to manage everyday life. Having a space to talk openly about these changes can be an important part of feeling supported.
I work with clients experiencing relationship difficulties and couples who may be struggling with communication, conflict, emotional distance or significant changes within their relationship.
I also have experience supporting clients with OCD and other difficulties that can affect thoughts, feelings and everyday life.
My approach is always tailored to the individual. There is no single way of working that suits everyone, and I take time to understand you, your experiences and what you hope to achieve from therapy.
My Qualifications
I am a:
BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist
EMDR Therapist
Qualified Family Mediator
Qualified Clinical Supervisor
I hold a Diploma in Integrative Counselling and a Graduate Certificate in Couple Counselling. I am also UKRCP Registered.
My professional experience includes working within GP surgeries, Relate, primary and secondary schools, private practice and family homes. This has given me experience supporting people of different ages and backgrounds through a wide range of personal and emotional difficulties.
How I Work
I believe that feeling comfortable and safe with your therapist is an important part of counselling.
I offer a warm, supportive and non-judgemental approach, while also helping you explore thoughts, feelings and patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
Therapy can sometimes feel challenging, particularly when we begin to explore difficult experiences, but you will not have to face those experiences alone.
I will work collaboratively with you, at a pace that feels appropriate, and tailor therapy to your individual needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.
Starting Therapy
Beginning counselling can feel like a big step, particularly if you've never had therapy before or you're unsure whether it is the right time.
Our first session gives us an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you would like help with and what you hope to get from therapy.
You don't need to have everything worked out before you come. Sometimes simply having someone to talk to and helping you make sense of what you're experiencing is the first step.
If you're unsure whether counselling or EMDR is right for you, you can book an initial consultation and we can talk through what you're looking for and whether I may be the right therapist for you.
There is no pressure to continue if you decide that therapy isn't right for you or that I'm not the right person to support you.
How I Can Help
I support clients with a range of difficulties, including:
Anxiety
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic attacks
Stress and feeling overwhelmed
Depression and low mood
Trauma and PTSD
Distressing or difficult life experiences
Low self-esteem and confidence
Relationship difficulties
Couples counselling
Family difficulties and conflict
Separation and divorce
Bereavement and loss
Work-related stress and burnout
Anger
OCD
Abuse and childhood trauma
Postnatal depression
Emotional difficulties associated with perimenopause and menopause
Young people's emotional wellbeing
If the difficulty you're experiencing isn't listed, please don't assume that counselling isn't appropriate for you. Everyone's circumstances are different, and we can discuss what you're experiencing and whether I can help.
Family Mediation
Alongside my counselling and psychotherapy work, I am also a qualified Family Mediator.
I support separating couples with issues such as arrangements for children, finances and communication, helping them work towards constructive solutions and reduce conflict.
My mediation practice is separate from my counselling practice.
Client Feedback
"I have felt completely safe and comfortable with Michelle. Our sessions are accepting, non-threatening and yet challenging. I have got a huge amount from working with Michelle and I can't recommend her highly enough."
– Anna
"Thank you so much for all your help and support through our difficult and emotional time. You have been fantastic."
– Rachel
“I have had the privilege of working with my supervisor since I was a trainee Counsellor.
From the very beginning she has been approachable, friendly, supportive and completely non-judgemental. She creates a safe space where I feel comfortable being myself and able to talk openly about anything.
Her guidance has been invaluable in both my personal and professional development.
She has consistently encouraged and challenged me in a compassionate way, helping me to grow in confidence and become the best Counsellor I can be.
I am incredibly grateful for her support, wisdom, and belief in me, and I would highly recommend her as a Supervisor, Counsellor or in mediation.”
– Samantha
Get in Touch
If you're considering counselling or EMDR and would like to find out more, please get in touch.
You don't need to know exactly what you need or where to start. We can talk about what's happening for you and explore whether counselling or EMDR may be the right approach.
Taking the first step can feel daunting, but having the right support can make a real difference.
I offer face-to-face counselling in Horsmonden, Kent, and online therapy, depending on your needs.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- Qualified Accredited Family Mediator (supporting couples with child arrangements and financial matters)
- Qualified Clinical Supervisor
- Qualified EMDR Therapist Level 6
- Diploma in Integrative Counselling (Awarded with Credit) - Kent and Medway NHS
- Social Care Partnership Trust
- Graduate Certificate in Couple Counselling - University of East London 3 years training.
- BACP Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist
- UKRCP Registered Independent Counsellor/Psychotherapist
- I am an Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist with the British Association for
- Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a Registered Independent
- Counsellor/Psychotherapist with the United Kingdom Register of Counsellors and
- Psychotherapists (UKRCP).
I am committed to maintaining the highest professional standards through regular clinical supervision, continuing professional development (CPD), and working within the BACP Ethical Framework.
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.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I am a qualified supervisor, currently providing Supervision for counsellors and support staff/teachers in schools and I provide Coaching for companies with their employees. Please visit my website for more information www.counsellingwithcare.com
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£70.00 - £120.00
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Monday to Friday (9am - 5:00pm)
- £70.00: Individuals - 50 minutes
- £85.00: Couples - 60 minutes
- £100.00: Families - 60 minutes
- £80.00: EMDR - 60 minutes
Monday to Friday (5:00pm - 10pm)
- £80.00: Individuals - 50 minutes
- £95.00: Couples - 60 minutes
- £120.00: Families - 60 minutes
- £100.00: EMDR - 60 Minutes
face to face in Horsmonden. Online Dorking.
Please call or email me if you would like to discuss an appointment or if you have any questions or visit my website www.counsellingwithcare.com
When I work
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Further information
I offer walking therapy for clients who prefer the outside and feel more comfortable walking and talking. Walking therapy is a great way to access support as well as receiving the benefits of being in the fresh air. The route we take is a moderate walking across the Kent countryside.
