Michelle Rudd

I have some availability in my schedule for 2024, please contact me to discuss your requirements.

Life can be tough - depression, anxiety, trauma, grief - the list can go on and on.  If you are looking for a therapist I am guessing that you are tired of trying to find a way out of your distress alone but by being here you have taken the first, and probably the hardest, step towards your better future - reaching out for help.  I hope I can provide what you're seeking. I am a foundation-degree trained person centred therapist.  That means that I believe that everyone is the expert on themselves and their own experience.  I won't tell you what to do, and I certainly won't judge you, whatever you tell me.  Together we can make a map and  take a few steps on the road towards whatever outcome you are seeking. I am experienced in working with clients who bring a wide range of emotional distress to our sessions.  In particular, I specialise in working with people who have experienced trauma and abuse, particularly domestic abuse.  I understand that trauma can have far reaching and profound effects but I am absolutely sure that there is hope for a future of joy, peace and recovery.  I aim to see my clients leave our sessions with the knowledge that they are safe, understood and respected and in this way they can find their own inner safe place, self-knowledge and self-respect. 

I work face to face with clients across the West Mercia region - Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire.  Alternatively, we can hold our sessions online and this can work well for clients who have a quiet, private and confidential place to spend an hour, and the necessary technology such as a laptop or smartphone. In certain circumstances I can also offer telephone counselling, again as long as my client has a safe and private place to take a call.   

I usually suggest that clients plan for an initial twelve sessions. However, you are in charge of your own therapy and we can work with whatever is feasible and realistic for your schedule and budget. I reserve a very few low cost sessions every week for clients experiencing severe trauma and/or abuse so please feel free to contact me if you are in need of counselling but unsure if it is possible within your budget and I can discuss my availability.

I am gender-affirming, kink-aware, polyamory positive and LGBTQ+ friendly and have experience with working with clients with a range of neurodiversity.  Please don't sit and wonder if this therapist will accept you as you are, a whole person.  The answer is yes! 

Our very first session will consist of a free 30 minute meeting, usually either online or by telephone, so that we can get an idea of whether we can work together effectively.  It will give you the opportunity to tell me why you are seeking counselling now and what you hope will be different for you as a result of our work.  It doesn't matter if you don't have a clear goal, and just want to "feel better" - often a person who is in distress will find it difficult to pin down firm ideas of a better future.  Together we can work out what "better" looks like, and take steps to work towards that picture.  

Once we begin our regular sessions we will meet for 50 minutes usually weekly.  This will be your regular investment in your wellbeing.  Sometimes clients tell me that being listened to, really heard, for an hour is a whole new experience. At the beginning of our first session we will discuss our counselling contract, that is the way we will work together, and this will give you a chance to ask questions.  The rest is your time and your opportunity to give voice to the things that have been making you unhappy.  This is just the beginning - your journey starts from here.