Michelle Higgins

 I have a Master of Arts in counselling and psychotherapy.

I am experienced in working with children, young people and adults who present with a range of issues including: bereavement and loss, anxiety, stress, low mood, family issues, eating difficulties, gender issues, illness, sexuality issues, substance misuse, cultural issues, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and feelings.

I am passionate about working with children and young people, as well as those who teach, support and care for them. I am inspired by young people's resilience and their ability to over-come difficult experiences. To be invited into their lives and to be a part of their growth and development is a privilege.

In addition to my private practice work, I currently work as an associate lecturer with the Open University. Previously I have worked as a counsellor in further and secondary education, child and adolescent mental health practitioner, parent and family support practitioner, youth project worker and drama teacher in further education.

I am a humanistic person centred counsellor. This means that I follow the lead of my client and seek to really understand their experience. I aim to create a warm and welcoming space so that children, young people and adults feel safe and can begin to build a relationship of trust with me. I believe that when people feel accepted, valued and understood by a counsellor, they are able to explore difficult issues and can begin to make sense of their experiences and feelings. When this happens, the intensity of difficult feelings may lessen and become more manageable, options of ways forward might begin to emerge, and views or beliefs can change bringing about a new perspective and a new way of being.

I have an arts background and use creativity as a route to expression with those clients who find making and creating a helpful and meaningful process.

​I am committed to continuing professional development. I attend regular training to update my knowledge and skills.

​I have strong ethical values and personal integrity.

​(Qualification certificates available to view on request)