About me
You might be the person who everyone thinks is coping.
You've got on with things. You've dealt with what life has thrown at you, looked after other people and found a way through difficult times.
But perhaps things feel harder than they used to. Maybe you're overwhelmed, struggling with your emotions, finding relationships difficult or noticing the same patterns playing out in your life. You might be trying to make sense of past experiences, working through trauma or finding your way through addiction and recovery.
Whatever has brought you here, you don't have to have all the answers before you start.
I'm Michelle, a person-centred counsellor based in Newquay, Cornwall. I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where we can explore what's happening in your life and begin to make sense of it together.
I bring over 18 years' experience supporting people affected by addiction, trauma and complex life experiences, including my work in residential recovery.
How I work
I believe you are the expert in your own life. My role isn't to tell you what to do or who you should be. It's to work alongside you, helping you understand yourself, explore your experiences and make sense of the things you might find difficult to talk about elsewhere.
Sometimes that means taking time to understand how past experiences are affecting you now. Sometimes it's about recognising patterns in your relationships, understanding your emotions, exploring boundaries or making sense of why you keep finding yourself in the same situations.
My approach is person-centred and trauma-informed. I work at your pace, bringing curiosity, compassion and, where it's helpful, gentle challenge. I also draw on somatic approaches and mindfulness, recognising that our experiences can affect us emotionally and physically.
You don't need to know exactly what you want to work on. We can start with what's happening for you now and take things from there.
Ways we can work together
In-person counselling (Newquay)
One-to-one counselling in a calm, private therapy space, giving you time to talk, reflect and explore whatever is going on for you.
Telephone counselling
A private alternative if you'd feel more comfortable talking without being face-to-face.
Outdoor counselling (Newquay)
For those who feel more at ease outside, we can walk and talk in a natural setting, making space to reflect and explore things away from the traditional therapy room.
Single-session counselling
If there's a particular issue, decision or situation you'd like to explore, a single focused session can give you space to work through it without committing to ongoing counselling.
Deep Rest sessions (Newquay)
Guided Yoga Nidra, a practice that invites deep physical and mental rest. These sessions may suit you if you're feeling overwhelmed, constantly switched on or finding it difficult to slow down. No yoga movements are involved.
Taking the first step
I offer a free, informal 20-minute introductory phone call. It's an opportunity to tell me a little about what brings you to counselling, ask any questions and get a feel for whether working together feels right for you.
There's no pressure or obligation. Just a chance to talk.
Training, qualifications & experience
My work is shaped by experience of supporting people through complex life experiences, including emotional distress, loss, and long-standing patterns that can feel difficult to shift alone.
Alongside my professional training, I bring lived understanding of neurodivergence, specifically ADHD.
I am a qualified Level 4 counsellor, currently working within a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation setting. I bring over 18 years’ experience supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.
Alongside talking therapy, I have a strong interest in how the nervous system responds to stress and overwhelm. I am trained in Yoga Nidra (guided deep relaxation) and may gently incorporate body-based awareness where it feels helpful and appropriate.
Relevant qualifications & training
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Psychology
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (with Levels 2 & 3 in Counselling Skills and Studies.
Epione Enhanced Trauma Training
OCN Understanding & Working with Sexual Violence
NHS Devon Trauma Stabilisation Training
Specialist experience in substance misuse frameworks within practice settings
Yoga Nidra teacher training (guided deep relaxation and nervous system regulation)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Member organisations
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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£45.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
If something here resonates, you’re very welcome to get in touch for a free 20-minute chat. There’s no pressure, just a chance to see if it feels like a good fit.
When I work
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Weekend appointments are available in person. Wednesday and Thursday evening appointments are available by telephone only.
Further information
Starting counselling can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure before you begin.
You don’t need to prepare anything or have the right words. We can take things slowly and work in a way that feels manageable for you.
Some people come for a short period of support, others for longer-term work. We can review this together as we go.
Sessions are confidential, and I offer a calm, steady space where you can talk freely and at your own pace.
If you’re unsure whether counselling is right for you, you’re welcome to arrange a free 20-minute call to see if we feel like the right fit.
