Michelle Evans

I am engaging online via Zoom and face to face from my comfortable office in Llantwit Major town centre CF61 1ST.

I offer online EMDR via RemotEMDR which is a leading platform for online EMDR therapy. 

I work Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays face to face and online in the day only. I finish at 17.30 and do not work evenings or weekends. 

I have undergone certificate level training in couples counselling but am not offering this at present. 

Dr Michelle Evans

I have a long-standing career in mental health spanning more than 30 years as a mental health nurse, practitioner psychologist, researcher and university lecturer in mental health and psychology in several universities. I have worked with people experiencing a wide range of issues over these years from mild to severe and enduring mental health difficulties and have used a variety of different helping approaches under supervision. I also work with the media to offer my expertise in different mental health areas. 

My published research in my maiden name (Dr Michelle Huws-Thomas) has been in the area of behaviour change and mental health.

I believe in working within a relational way to help you process, recover, heal and grow. Deep empathy and a non-judgmental approach are at the heart of my practice. I will value working with you every step of the way. My approaches stem from my core values as a person; relational, person-centred and compassionate to help you explore yourself and your relationship with others. You may feel like the same problems and relationship patterns keep repeating themselves, despite your best efforts to move on with your life. You may not be quite able to define exactly what you are feeling, or your emotions might seem overwhelming, as if you cannot understand or control them. This often involves experiencing deep sadness, sorrow, anger, shame and guilt.

The use of the title Dr in this directory listing relates to the member’s doctorate qualification. However, this does not imply a general medical qualification.

I am trained in a variety of therapies including Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Eye Movement De-Sensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) and other approaches. I am also experienced in working with people who have experienced trauma (using trauma-focused CBT) and am a Europe accredited EMDR therapist. I also practice Flash technique https://flashtechnique.com/wp/ Eye Movement Desensitisation Re-processing (EMDR).  I may also supplement trauma therapy with "parts work".  It is often helpful to explore "parts of Self" operating behind the scenes which are troubling and keep you stuck. 

I have undergone certificate level training in couples counselling  but am not offering this at present. 

I continually update my practice with on-going training and monthly supervision in with accredited supervisors in EMDR, CBT & Integrative Psychotherapy.

Qualifications 

PhD Health Psychology (Cardiff University, College of Medicine). Supervisors: Professor John Gregory & Professor Stephen Rollnick

Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education with Distinction (Cardiff University)

Diploma Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (University of South Wales)

Certificate in Counselling (London)

Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (London)

Certificate in Couples Counselling (Wight Psychotherapy Training Institute)

Eye Movement De-Sensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) Levels 1-4 EMDR Works Europe 

MSc Health Psychology (University of Bath)

BSc (Hons) Psychology 1st Class (University of Wales Institute, Cardiff)

Professional Registrations

Chartered Psychologist, British Psychological Society (CPsychol) 2005

Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS) 2011

Registered Member BACP (MBACP) 

Europe Accredited EMDR therapist 

Registered Nurse Mental Health (NMC registered) 1991-present

Registered Nurse Adult (NMC registered) 1988-present

My first session is for 90 minutes which includes me listening to your story and developing what we call a formulation (case conceptualisation). This is a road map of what has happened to you, what triggers your distress, what maintains it (keeps it going), your relationship with self and and how you might overcome your struggles. It is also a way of identifying your strengths and to elicit goals. You will also receive one hour of counselling/psychotherapy.  

The formulation is shared with you after the session via email and you have the opportunity to change this. I also offer what we call psychoeducation as a way of helping you understand your struggles. I provide clients with handouts and additional resources as homework if required. I believe in empowering you as the client to become you own therapist with life skills to assist in recovery and healing.

A key aspect of this first session is to develop the therapeutic relationship so you feel welcomed,  respected, and listened to. It is important for me to work collaboratively with you in any decisions made within the session. My commitment is to you as the client and your needs and well-being.