Michaela Durham Counselling Service

I decided to embark on counselling training several years after leaving University with a Psychology degree. Initially, I found the training to be a practical application of the theoretical knowledge that I had already gained. What I had not counted on was the impact that it would have on how I viewed the world and my consequent role in it. It has continued to inform and shape my choices both career wise and in my personal life.

I have chosen to use these counselling skills in my roles as teacher, support worker and healthcare assistant.

From working with each client, I developed as a practitioner and my client’s bravery in confronting personal difficulties, whilst trying to function in a world where they felt they did not fit, continues to inspire me many years later.

I provide a person-centred, holistic approach which aims to promote independence and autonomy. By creating a non-judgemental environment and consistent boundaries, emotional growth and self-awareness is facilitated and encouraged by the client-counsellor therapeutic relationship.

Primarily, I work as a Humanistic counsellor but am willing to engage in CBT work if necessitated by the client’s needs.

Previous experience – workplace anxiety, stress, childhood trauma, bullying, young people and behavioural issues, bereavement and anger management. This list is not exhaustive but gives a brief idea of areas that I have covered.