Hello, my name is Michelle, and I am a Person-Centred Counsellor based in Hexham, working online via Zoom.
Finding the right counsellor can be overwhelming because there are so many of us, so let me help you to decide if I am the right one for you by explaining how I work.
So what does Person Centred mean?
It means that you are the heart of the counselling. I'm not going to tell you what to do but what I am going to do is give you a safe space so you can explore and understand the things you aren't happy with. There is no judgement so you can discuss anything you need to without fear.
At my core is a belief that you are the expert in your own life and my role is to help you navigate any issues that are standing in your way. I am known for my gentle and calm approach and my authenticity.
I have worked with individuals and also over the last 6 years have worked with couples in conflict. This included 2 years working with RELATE.
I have also worked with NHS staff that were affected by COVID offering 5 sessions to help them explore the impact of a very traumatic time.
Things you might come with and how I would support you
You might find that past experiences are affecting you in the present and you are ready to think about them and move forward. This might feel painful so I will support you to face these things. I will help you to acknowledge any feelings you may have squashed down to protect yourself.
You might be feeling anxious but not really understand why. I will encourage a curiosity where you can explore the anxiety and the possible reasons for it.
Maybe your relationships never work out and its confusing because you feel like you did everything right. I have experience of working with couples in conflict so I can think with you about patterns that you feel are unhelpful.
You might feel that you are not living authentically, and you want to get back to that person you know you can be. I will help you to live in your truth and embrace the wonderful human that you are. You might not believe that right now but I will support you to acknowledge, accept and love yourself as you are.
So if you are a person who wants to gain more self- awareness then person centred counselling could be for you.
Whatever you come to me with I will provide a gentle and nurturing approach. I will go on your journey with you as you explore things that might be painful. We will go at your pace. I will support you to be curious about the things that are troubling you, to acknowledge them, to understand them and to let them go.
What issues can counselling help with?
People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Anxiety/Stress
Bereavement/Loss
Neurodiversity
Redundancy
Relationships
Self Esteem
Trauma
Work related stress
Sessions and fees
My counselling practice is based in Hexham and is conducted entirely via Zoom. I started offering online sessions during COVID and I’ve found that clients appreciate being able to attend from the comfort of their own homes.
Once you have made initial contact with me and we have agreed a date for your first session I will email you a Zoom link. Don’t worry if you haven’t used Zoom before, my clients have told me it is easy to use.
I can see clients from anywhere in the UK, including Northumberland, Hexham, Morpeth, Alnwick, Cumbria, and Birmingham. I’ve recently been working with clients in the South West.
Fees are £50 for an individual session and £80 for couples. I will send you my payment details with your Zoom link.
Payments are done via bank transfer. You can pay for a session before or after whichever is easiest for you. If you are coming as a couple the fee for each session would be £80 for both of you.
Your first session
During your first session we will talk through the counselling contract. This includes things like
- Confidentiality
- Practical elements of the session such as how to cancel.
- I will think with you about whether you want a set amount of sessions or a more open ended approach.
- It's your opportunity to ask any questions you might have.
- I will gather a few bits of contact information.
This first session gives you an opportunity to share the reason you are seeking counselling and for you to decide if I am a good fit in meeting those needs.
Often people feel a bit nervous at their first session and this is perfectly normal. I will do what I can to make you feel at ease.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange your first session.
This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07395030856 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential.