Counselling in Leixlip

Are you finding it difficult to cope or having problems in your relationships? Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by your emotions or you find yourself overthinking? Psychotherapy can help you connect with yourself, make sense of your experiences and find solutions. I believe that life is complex and no two people experience it the same way. Therefore therapy is not a 'one size fits all'. I draw on years of experience as a therapist and I integrate approaches so that the therapeutic space is centred on you and your needs.

Sometimes when struggling with various stressors we often fear reaching out for help. Therapy can support you to process painful experiences; increase your ability to cope day to day, and address long term issues affecting the quality of your life. Are you an adolescent at risk, a family looking for help with coping skills related to conflict, a couple looking to work through conflict or marital issues; have you experienced trauma? I work with complex client needs such as sexual abuse, substance misuse, relational issues, and mental health including other anxiety, emotional and behavioural issues.

​I am an accredited member of IACP offering help with psychological and emotional difficulties in a safe, non-judgemental environment. I have been qualified as a counsellor and psychotherapist since 2012 and I established my private practice here in Sallins, Co Kildare in 2016 where I offer one-to-one counselling and psychotherapy to individuals over 18 years of age, who are currently experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties in their lives. I hold a BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from AIT as well as a Professional Certificate in CBT from PCI college.

I am an accredited therapist (APCP) who works with adults on an individual basis. I work from an Integrative approach where I believe there isn't one therapeutic approach when working with a client. I feel it is important to take into account you as an individual and also your circumstances. Therefore it may be more beneficial to use different approaches to help you explore and cope with your issues or difficulties. I believe each person has the capacity for growth and self actualization in their own lives.  I have spent several years working with Carlow and South Leinster Rape Crisis Centre.

I am a qualified psychotherapist with a BA (Hons) degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy from Dublin Business School and am an accredited member of the IACP (Irish Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy). I have also completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). I use an Integrative and Humanistic approach to psychotherapy and counselling. I believe in the quality of the therapeutic relationship. I provide a confidential, non-judgemental and supportive environment. I believe the role of the therapist is to facilitate and assist clients to make meaning of their experience and discover their inner world.

I have been working in different clinical settings and with clients from multiple age groups. My experience is with adults, adolescents and children and a wide range of difficulties and diagnoses, from depression to grief, anxiety, self-harming and suicide ideation.

Michelle believes psychotherapy is a powerful journey of self-discovery. Maybe you are feeling unhappy, stressed, or overwhelmed. Maybe you have gone through a recent bereavement or loss and are finding it difficult to cope. Is your teenager showing signs of anxiety or depression? I provide an affordable, confidential and supportive counseling service to my clients. I am passionate about working with my clients to empower them to make positive changes in their lives.

It is impossible to tell you exactly what your therapy process will be like, as you are unique, with your own experience, strengths and difficulties. Good therapy will be tailored to you and your individual situation. That said, in all models of therapeutic work I will work with you to define your goals and to develop the steps you will take to achieve those goals in therapy. Your therapeutic process will not only focus on your current situation and experiences, but also on the internal patterns that may be contributing to how you are feeling.

If you are asking yourself, what is wrong with me that I feel this way?! You are formally diagnosed as the result of dysfunctional feeling, thinking, and behaving? Depression? Personality Disorder? Eating disorder? History of toxic relationships? Panic attack, anxiety attacks? And you are asking yourself when will that end? When will that change? You can end it now and begin a new journey ;) Psychotherapy is an integrative process of experiencing all your senses, emotions, thoughts, and body in a holistic context. As a result, you will find your way back home to yourself.

Sometimes life can just feel out of kilter and we don't know why, or the weight of every day life is heavy. When we feel like this it can be helpful to have someone to talk to who is not already involved and invested in your life. I work across a spectrum of mental health concerns, but have a particular interest in trauma, grief/loss, maternal mental health (in particular crisis pregnancy and miscarriage), addiction, depression, anxiety, low-self esteem and perfectionism.

My clients want to increase their strength and resilience in the face of difficult times. They want to learn how to best manage in the face of adversity, and challenge their own blocks. They can be from any walk of life or any orientation.They've reached a point where they feel that they need support and a safe non judgemental space to explore both their own selves and their lives. They may be struggling with their identity for some reason : Adoption, identity issues, bereavement & loss, they have family difficulties, and are commited to positive a change.

I work from an integrative perspective grounded in person centered therapy. I adapt the therapy to the needs of the individual while respecting their views and values. I believe that most individuals can heal, grow and find resources within in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. I will work with you in exploring issues from the past and how they are affecting you in the present. I will also help you with tools and resources to help you in the day to day. I have a special interest in working with all members of the adoption triad specifically around, loss rejection and a sense of identity.

Opening up and acknowledging the route of our fears and anxieties, can be a very vulnerable part of us to share. However looking at this part of ourselves, sheds light upon what it is that has been holding us back and with this knowledge, we become empowered and begin to unlock their true potential.

I currently work with adults who present with a range of issues such as Abuse, Adoption, Anger Issues, Anxiety, Breavement, Depression, General Issues, Identity, Loss, Mens issues, Mental Health issues, Personal Development, Post Traumatic Stress, Relationship Issues, Low Self Esteem, Self-Harm, Stress Trauma, Women's Issues and Work-related Issues.

Starting therapy can be daunting and feel a little bit scary at times, that’s why I am here to help support you every step of the way. Offering a safe place for you to be heard and understood. I work with a multiple of presentations including but not limited to depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, stress, self-harm, adoption, bereavement, and body image. Collaboration for me is impetrative and this ensures your needs are met and understood.