About Me
My name is Michelle, and my journey towards becoming a counsellor began when I underwent personal therapy several years ago. Prior to pursuing counselling, I spent many years working in the hospitality industry, which often proved to be a fast-paced, demanding, and stressful environment.
Throughout my life, I have faced numerous challenges, ranging from raising children and building a family, navigating bereavements and challenging circumstances. These experiences eventually led me towards a time when I felt lost, confused, and overwhelmed.
My journey as a client was both inspirational and transformative for me. Working with my therapist, I was able to gain deep insights into the influences shaping my thoughts and beliefs, as well as the obstacles preventing me from being the best version of myself and the person I wanted to be..
I am passionate about counselling and feel enthusiastic about offering support to individuals who may be struggling to cope with life's challenges. Knowing how it feels to be a client and to sit on the other side, I always approach my clients with compassion and respect. I understand that starting counselling can be daunting and challenging, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
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My professional qualifications come after several years of training and dedication, with a Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. As well as completing Cruse Bereavement Training and Choices Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Training. I am also a trained and registered Sand Story therapist and counsellor.
I am an accredited member of the National Counselling Society. This professional body is in place to develop and promote safe, ethical, and competent practices within the field of counselling. My membership demonstrates that I believe in these goals and work to uphold them within my practice. Alongside I am committed to continuous personal development
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Working safely and ethically with every client is vital in all aspects of my work with every client. I have regular supervision to ensure that I am always working with my client's best interests at heart and am to the best of my ability.
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My Approach to Counselling
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Having been on my own counselling journey in the past, I remember how difficult the thought of talking to a stranger felt. To sit and tell them my problems, show my vulnerability to someone I had never met.
I aim to ease any discomfort, nerves, or anxiety you may be feeling by offering a calm and reassuring presence, and always being non-judgemental and having unconditional acceptance for you as a person.
Building a therapeutic relationship which establishes a confidential, warm, and trusting relationship is key to our work together. Somewhere you can feel safe and comfortable talking openly about what is troubling or concerning you.
As a trained counsellor I am skilled in listening and enable you to feel more comfortable to talk about difficult or sensitive subjects. I will support you every step of the way as you begin to make sense of what you are experiencing and to process your thoughts and feelings.
Whether it is a difficult life experience or relationship, a problem that is becoming progressively worse or a sense of uncertainty and a need for change, you can work with whatever is important to you. That may be one thing or several different things, that's okay. We can explore this together and prioritise if you need to.
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My Way of Working
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My core way of working is Person Centred Therapy, which operates on the humanistic belief that my clients are inherently driven toward and have the capacity for growth and to make positive changes.
My aim is to provide a non-judgmental environment conducive to honest self-exploration. Where you feel accepted and free to talk openly and honestly.
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My approach is client led, so I follow your lead. This does not mean that my role is too just listen, it means you are always in the driver's seat as you know what is most pressing for you at any one moment in time during our sessions.
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People frequently, but not always, come to counselling with a sense of what they would like to change or what they would like to gain. We can discuss what it is you feel you need from counselling and work towards any goals or aims you may have.
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These may change or alter during our work, or you may be unsure just what it is you need, nothing is set in stone, and you are always in control of what you focus on in each session.
We'll always work at your pace and with what you need to. You will be in control of what you choose to discuss, and I will never pressure you to disclose anything you do not wish to.
I will always work professionally and to the best of my abilities to help and support you from a place of compassion, empathy, and respect for you as an individual with autonomy.​
As a qualified counsellor, I am trained in skilful listening and in helping you explore and untangle your experiences and gain a sense of what is happening for you. This may be behaviours, feelings, thoughts, or beliefs surrounding your past or the present.
Speaking aloud what is on your mind helps you to see more clearly. To gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your lived experience. To see what is helping and or hindering you in your daily life. ​
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I will support you to work through and process your thoughts and feelings and to gain self-awareness. Often understanding why, you behave or think in a certain way can bring an understanding to light and help you to find your ways of implementing changes that will be beneficial.
I will not give direct advice to tell you what to do, but I will support you while you discover your own ways of healing and moving forward.
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I will always be non-judgemental and accept you as the individual you are, with the lived experience you have. We are all unique, and my aim is to support you to understand you and your world.
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Working collaboratively with you, I may offer to use other tools, provide psychoeducation, grounding techniques or coping strategies if I believe they will be helpful to you.
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Cruse Bereavement Support​
I have been a Cruse Bereavement Volunteer for two years supporting clients who have lost their loved ones. Helping them through the pain, distress, and multiple implications that grief causes has been a wonderful experience for me.
I have been able to support them with compassion and understanding as they process their overwhelming, conflicting, and often confusing emotions. Working with them as they begin to adjust to their new world and rebuild their sense of self through their individual experience and painful grieving process.
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I have also worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-worth, loss of identity, relationship difficulties and emotional problems.
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Reaching out for help can be frightening and daunting. Often this is the hardest step we take. But once taken we can start the process of understanding what it is we need or want to change in life. Changes that make us happier, more confident, and less stressed.
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Email, call or use the chat function to contact me to see if counselling can be helpful to you.
Email Michellecobbinfo@gmail.com
TEL 07360287003
Our Sessions will take place in my garden office. A private, safe and confidential space. Various day and evening appointments are available to book.