Michelle Courtney

I am available for online sessions, via zoom and teams. 

In a world that is increasingly challenging I provide you with a personalised and bespoke service, to ensure you receive the right therapeutic approach at the right time.

I work with you from an integrative approach, to deliver scientific evidence-based therapies and neuropsychological trauma-informed techniques.  I invite you to experience self-exploration and learn how to regulate your nervous system with a toolbox of techniques you can use in your daily life. It is with these simple, yet profound techniques that you learn to feel safe to connect to your 'real self',  and nourish your relationships with others and your world. 

Why do I work as an integrative therapist?

Because no one therapy fits all and you are unique.

Feel safe in your relationship with yourself

I help clients suffering from anxiety, depression, acute pain/health issues, and trauma. We can work together to bring you relief and solutions to move toward the life you want. 

Feel safe in social relationships and your external world

With our busy pace of life and work-related commitments, I help you to integrate old and new challenges with insight into self, relationships, and an understanding of managing pressures of work life balance.

I have over thirty years of experience working in diverse settings, with senior management, employees, and young persons, in corporate, educational, and therapeutic settings, in the UK and internationally ( Isle of Wight, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, UAE, South Africa) 

“Trauma can be both when bad things happen to people that shouldn’t happen. But also when good things that should happen, don’t happen”

— S. PORGES (POLYVAGAL THEORY)

How are you feeling in your body and your mind right now? Are you constantly sensing threats and feeling anxious? And/or are you feeling depressed/protective/shut down in relationships, and your place in the world? Difficulties in your childhood, and micro traumas in adulthood impacting on your ability to self regulate, and connect in relationships. 

If your answer is yes, then we can work together. 

As an integrative psychotherapist, I believe no one therapy fits all. But one thing we all have in common is that our autonomic nervous system (ANS)is our personal surveillance system, which is always asking the question 'Am I Safe'?  

If you feel unsafe, your body and mind react to environmental threats with the intention of survival and protection. In contrast, when you feel safe, you body and mind are proactive in seeking out social connection, therapeutic growth, and maintenance of your health and well-being. 

With this in mind, I offer online sessions, in which I have created a confidential and comfortable space for you to feel safe and communicate openly in our therapeutic relationship. 

Furthermore, if you prefer telephone to video, I can offer flexibility in the delivery of our sessions.  I can provide additional resources and support to ensure you feel safe to fully benefit from our therapeutic relationship. 

Qualifications

PG Dip. Psychology and Neuroscience for Mental Health Kings College, London

Level 4 Dip. Therapeutic Counselling 

M.Sc. Social Science Research Methods

MBA (with Distinction) 

PGCE  

BA (Hons)  

Counselling and Psychotherapy supervisor certificate

BACP Registered Member

Polyvagal Institute member

Applied Neuroscience Association (ANA)

No one therapy fits all and so I am passionate that you receive accessible and effective therapy that is adapted to your unique self and circumstances. Therefore, the strategies and exercises provided will be tailored to help you benefit from your therapeutic path one step at a time.

The challenges you face may require a brief solution-focused approach or a more integrative therapeutic safe path. I provide a free 20-minute online chat to discuss your needs further and guide your decision as to the best way forward.

When we have our first appointment, either face-to-face or online, this is an opportunity to talk about what you require and your expectations. I can also answer any questions you have and outline the therapy path you are about to embark upon. For example;

Brief solution-focused Therapy for Adults

Integrative Psychotherapy for Adults

We will establish our contract together, agreeing upon the time and place of our sessions. Legal aspects of our work together, such as how your private information is stored, payment of fees, and so forth.

 As we begin this therapeutic path together, we can anticipate the opportunity to create a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where growth can flourish.

I am committed to developing a collaborative and trusting relationship, built on empathy and understanding, that will serve as the foundation for transformative change. I eagerly look forward to uncovering insights, overcoming challenges, and discovering the inner strength and resilience that resides within you.

Together, we will navigate the complexities of emotions, thoughts, and feelings to provide insight and a toolbox of techniques that you can integrate into your everyday life. Our therapeutic journey promises a path of self-discovery, empowerment, and well-being.