Michelle Woods
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello! I'm Michelle. Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I have over ten years of experience working as a therapist in the NHS and private practice, where I’ve had the privilege of helping many individuals. I am a qualified CBT and EMDR therapist.
My Approach
Firstly, I would like to hear your story in your own words. Together, we can create a safe space to explore different aspects of your life, giving you the opportunity to gain deeper self-awareness and understanding. We will identify meaningful goals that resonate with you and develop a treatment plan together. I will work alongside you to create practical strategies tailored to your unique journey. My goal is to support and empower you every step of the way.
I offer two distinct therapies: -
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a structured and goal-oriented psychotherapeutic approach designed to tackle a wide array of mental health challenges. Recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), CBT is rooted in the understanding that our thoughts (cognition) and behaviours significantly shape our emotions. CBT empowers individuals by helping them identify and reframe negative thought patterns, thereby fostering healthier behaviours and emotional responses. Extensive research has demonstrated the efficacy of CBT in treating various conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders.
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing is a specialised, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. EMDR works by targeting distressing memories and using guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess them in a healthier way. This approach allows the emotional intensity of past experiences to decrease, reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related challenges. EMDR does not require extensive talking about the trauma but instead focuses on how the mind and body store and process distressing experiences. Many individuals find significant relief and lasting healing through this structured yet natural approach to trauma recovery.
Some of the things I Treat
- Depression
- Anxiety (including generalised anxiety, health, and social anxiety)
- Panic attacks and panic disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Phobias
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Low self-esteem
What to Expect at Your First Therapy Session
Your first therapy session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and explore what brings you to therapy. This initial session serves as an assessment, during which we will discuss your concerns, personal history, and goals for treatment. I will ask questions to better understand your experiences, emotions, and any challenges you may be facing. Together, we’ll begin to outline a plan tailored to your needs. This session is also a chance for you to ask questions, express any concerns, and get a feel for how we might work together. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and comfortable.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Post Graduate Diploma Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, High-Intensity CBT - The University of Exeter.
- BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.
- EMDR Therapist (EMDR Europe).
- CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Accredited in 2017)
- CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory.
Additional Training & CPD
- Working with Long-Term Conditions and Medically Unexplained Symptoms – The University of Exeter.
- EMDR & working with complexity (Dr Ines Santos).
- EMDR Flash Technique.
- The EMDR Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (EMDR RTEP).
- EMDR Pain Protocol.
- Working with complex and complicated trauma (Dr Kerry Young).
- Cognitive therapy for panic disorder (Professor David Clark).
- Cognitive behaviour therapy for adults with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (Professor Michel Dugas).
- Brief Behavioural Activation (Professor Carl Lejuez).
- Optimising outcomes in the cognitive behavioural treatment of OCD (Professor Roz Shafran).
- Please note that the above list is not exhaustive but contains my most recent professional development and training.
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 BABCP is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the UK. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the practice, theory or development of CBT. BABCP also provides accreditation for CBT therapists. BABCP accredited members adhere to the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics in the Practice of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, and are willing to be scrutinised in this adherence as required.
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
Fees
£85.00 - £110.00
Free initial online session
Additional information
- 75 minute Initial assessment £95
- 60 minute CBT session £85
- 60 minute EMDR session £100
- 90 minute EMDR session £110
I offer reduced rates for NHS and emergency services personnel. Please feel free to reach out for more details on discounted session rates.
When I work
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Further information
I offer a free 15-minute phone call, no strings attached! This is a chance for us to talk about your needs and see if we're a good match. I know how important it is to find the right therapist for you, so if I feel that I can’t help, I’d be more than happy to steer you in the right direction.
