Michelle Lockyer

My working days are Monday -Thursday 9am - 5pm.

Please contact me to check my current availability. 

I work in person, online or via the telephone. 

You might have felt unhappy for some time. But unable to explain why. Noticed nagging doubts or fears. Or repeated worries on a loop that don’t disappear. Feeling out of step or lost. Something missing or not quite right in your life. Your thoughts might be confused. Not having the words to express or connect what is happening for you. Finding space for yourself could feel overwhelming.

I recognise these patterns. At times have identified to them. When questioning parts of myself. Whilst seeking out and engaging in my own personal therapy. The self-doubt and uncertainty. Not feeling ‘good enough’ or ‘trying too hard’. Unsure how to consider change and ‘being stuck.’ Feeling unable to navigate the answers you are looking for. It can be challenging knowing how to reach out. Not knowing what the ‘right’ can support might look like. 

My role within this is to be alongside you. Providing a place where you can be really heard. A non-judgemental space. Offering a collaborative relationship based on trust. Time to pause, reflect and explore daily living. Where you can tell your own story. Begin to figure out your own needs within this. Life challenges that impact us as individuals. Experiences that shape our relationships with others. Quality time to be curious about who we really are. Our values, ways of thinking and beliefs formed by our own lived experience.

My approach is flexible and I work in an inclusive, neuro-affirming way. I offer unconditional positive regard and welcome and celebrate individuals of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. I am passionate about individual autonomy. Working with you to develop therapeutic practice at pace that feels attuned to your way of being. Whether this is looking at developing change, further self awareness or personal growth, supported with genuineness and dignity.

As an Integrative therapist you will be invited to take an active part in the direction the therapy will take. You may decide to take a client-lead, exploratory approach. Helpful when an experience can feel like a tangled ball of wool. This Person-centred way of working can help identify different threads and themes impacting your experience. In contrast a directive approach can support working towards an identified goal or objective. As an Interpersonal therapist for depression, who has worked on NHS contracts, this approach can be useful for working with complicated grief, role conflict, interpersonal sensitivities in relationships or role transition. 

Therapy will develop through reflective practice. Using regular check-ins where you can provide feedback. Ensuring focus remains on exploring themes that are most relevant to you. A sudden bereavement, or grieving process related to a different kind of loss. A change in health, breakdown or disconnection in relationships. Conflict with others or a pattern of difficulties with communication. A transition into a new phase of life or an event that impacted us years ago. All your experiences are welcome. 

At the first session we will discuss and agree together our working agreement. This will include session contact and ways of working in person, online or via telephone. Expectations you may have of therapy and ways of managing cancellations, payment and client commitment. Safeguarding obligations and confidentiality. 

We will explore your reasons for engaging with therapy, your goals and expectations and reflect on approaches or additional considerations you would like to put in place. Time will be taken to reflect on historical information and gathering information. 

A fifteen minute, complimentary no cost telephone consultation can be arranged in advance of the first session. This can give the opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have. Also for you to get a feel for how I work and help you decide if you wish to progress with therapy.