I am both experienced and qualified in working with children and young people and in addition to my private practice I work as a primary school counsellor. Prior to this, I worked as a young person’s counsellor for STARS (formerly Dorset Rape Crisis) and also within a school behaviour and special educational needs team. I am also a qualified Trauma Informed Schools Practitioner. I am experienced in working with children and young people who have experienced trauma, loss, anxiety, family and relationship difficulties among many other issues. I work with children and young people with ASD, ADHD as well as children who are receiving additional support from professionals for example, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and CAMHS.
My work with children often involves lots of creativity and play and I have many resources available for us to use and enjoy during the sessions. Young people are also invited to work creatively if they choose to.
Michelle is my first counsellor but I’m glad we chose her. She helps me in a fun way and I really enjoy her sessions. She helps me feel better about myself and she helps me to think positively more often.“
The sessions remain confidential for children and young people and I discuss this with them as well as their parents or caregivers before the start of any therapy. You are very welcome to contact me to discuss any concerns or thoughts that you might have about confidentiality. I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate.
Sessions last for 50 minutes and take place in my purpose built garden room – Lime Tree Cabin.
Michelle is warm, approachable, honest and everything you would want in someone who is working so closely with your child. Our daughter utterly trusts Michelle and is therefore very relaxed in her company and enjoys very successful sessions as a result. We have continued our sessions throughout the pandemic, via Zoom or via socially distancing in the park, and the sessions are always thoughtfully led in ways which are engaging, creative and individual. She is highly skilled in helping to pick apart cycles and patterns and the feelings associated with those. We have complete trust in Michelle and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her highly.“