Michelle Allard

 I am currently working face-to-face or remotely via MS Teams, Zoom or telephone. I have availability during the day as well as some evenings and weekends. Please contact me for further information. 

Welcome, my name is Michelle. As an integrative therapist, I believe there is no one way that works for all. I combine different therapeutic approaches which gives the flexibility to tailor the therapy to your individual needs. I work using Gestalt therapy, Psychodynamic, and CBT counselling techniques to treat you as an individual and to work collaboratively with you so you can identify your own way forward. I pay particular attention to how past experiences may have influenced your present thoughts, feelings, and relationships, and help you to detangle from recurring life struggles that are holding you back. 

Sometimes we all need more support with life struggles, especially if we are going through an anxious or stressful time and struggle to communicate or maybe feel nobody cares or nobody listens. This is when therapy can help, reaching out is the first sign of strength and the first step to taking control.

 I am experienced at working with children and young people as well as adults both male and female with a wide range of problems. I provide short or long-term therapy. 

You are welcome to contact me by telephone or email and we can discuss a way of working together and ideas of how you would like to move forward.

At times life can feel overwhelming and challenging and we can get to a point where we can feel stuck and need help to make sense of it all. This is where therapy can help you overcome issues that may have a negative impact on your life. I provide a safe confidential space for you to feel heard in a non-judgemental, supportive environment, which allows you to explore your thoughts feelings and emotions at your own pace. Together we can explore and find ways to help deal with the difficulties you are experiencing; help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings and help you find your own way forward.

I believe the most important element of therapy is to build a trusting therapeutic relationship. I offer a calm approach where I will always listen and work in a way in which you can feel empowered in your own life, giving you an opportunity to feel deeply heard, accepted, and understood. I believe everyone is important and deserves to be heard, whether you are looking for a brief focused approach or to work long-term on deeper issues. There is no fixed time frame and we will go at your pace. 

 I am also passionate about supporting individuals who are looking at how to feel more like themselves and live a more fulfilled life, such as having better relationships and being able to live a life they truly enjoy.

Training, qualifications, and experience

MSc Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.

PGDip Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.

PGCert Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. 

Certificate Working with women and Girls in Sexual Violence.

Awareness in Bereavement Care.

BSc with Hons Child & Adolescent Mental Health. 

FDs Child & Adolescent Mental Health.

Level 3 Counselling Skills.

Aside from seeing clients in private practice, I have volunteered for various organisations within mental health, bereavement, and abuse. I currently work for a local charitable organisation supporting children, young people, and adults with mental health difficulties.

I offer an initial 20 minutes, free online or telephone session, to give you a chance to talk and explore your reasons for seeking therapy.  An opportunity for you to identify your hopes, expectations, and goals of therapy and ask any questions. During this initial session you will be able to see how it feels talking with me about the issues you are facing and then be able to make an informed decision as to whether you feel counselling with me is something that you would like to pursue further.