Welcome to Wootton Wellness- offering integrative counselling services in person, by phone and online.
What can I gain from therapy?
Counselling can provide people with a new perspective, improved ways of managing emotions, and a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. Therapy is rooted in the belief that people have the capacity to heal themselves and that the therapist’s role is to provide robust psychological container to support clients to be able to do this. A therapist does not offer advice or solutions but instead helps you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe way. Even just attending your appointments can bring a great sense of comfort.
Is counselling right for me?
Counselling can be a profound and transformative experience, but it is important to understand that there are both challenges and benefits associated with participation. Growth can not occur until past issues are confronted, which can often make us feel worse before we feel better. This is because we are looking at feelings that are perhaps uncomfortable and are used to suppressing. This is a normal part of the therapy process, but one to be mindful of when making the decision if counselling is right for you.
What Can You Help Me With?
Under the right conditions, therapy can be a life-changing and impactful experience. Part of this is having a strong therapeutic connection with your counsellor. It is important that you feel safe with this person so that you can work on a meaningful level in order to bring about positive change. To help in your search for the right therapist, I offer a free initial consultation so that you can get a sense of whether I am the right fit for you.
During this meeting, I will take the time to understand your circumstances and what you would like to achieve from therapy and provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions. This session will give you a good idea of what counselling is, and whether you can see us working together. I will also provide all the practical information about fees and scheduling so that you leave feeling fully informed.
If you are finding it difficult to cope with a long-term health condition, disability, or a caregiving role and need somebody to talk to, I might just be the right therapist for you. I have a background in Carer support, advocacy, and disability studies. I am a physically disabled person and have both a personal and professional understanding of the challenges disabled people and their Carers can often face.
If you would like to explore your therapy options and access needs, please get in touch. More information about concessionary rates and accessibility can be found under the FAQs section of this website.
As an integrative therapist, I am trained to offer a diverse range of therapeutic techniques that I blend to meet individual needs. I work with various presenting issues, counselling people living with stress, anxiety and depression.
I support clients in processing past traumas, as well as helping people in navigating current difficulties in their lives.
For those who find putting things into words difficult or who people who prefer to work more creatively, we can use practical tools, such as cards, sand tray therapy, nesting dolls and other resources in your sessions to aid the therapeutic process.
If you are unsure if I have the right experience or expertise that you are looking for, please do not worry- just ask. If you are seeking a specific therapeutic service that I do not offer, wherever possible, I will reach out to my network of colleagues and signpost you to another therapist who may be better suited.
About Michelle
I am a Registered Member of the BACP and have a master’s degree as an integrative therapist. I provide counselling to adult clients, in a safe, non-judgemental and supportive space, aiding clients to navigate through life's challenges and emotional difficulties. I have a gentle yet encouraging approach to therapy, and can offer you an experienced listening ear to help you feel more grounded and in control of your life. With over 10 years of experience working in mental health, I have taken both a professional and academic interest in this area. Outside of my client hours, I am an assessor for counselling college courses- supporting new therapists into practice.
How do you deliver therapy?
As well as offering therapy sessions in person,
I am a certified online and telephone therapist. The ability to counsel online and over the telephone allows me to meet the needs of clients with different preferences or limitations.
I know how vulnerable it can feel to share your story with someone new, but regardless of the format you choose, you can be sure that I will provide you with a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space in which to share.
What are your fees and availability?
Sessions last 1 hour and cost £55. I offer sessions at £45 an hour for unpaid Carers in receipt of Carers Allowance or those in receipt of work-related disability benefit. Individual concessions may be considered on a discretionary basis to support the cost of therapy. I have availability throughout Monday-Friday, 8:30 am -4:30 pm.
I would like in-person therapy. Where are you based?
My in-person sessions are held at my therapy office in Wootton, Northampton. Parking is available outside of the office.
Postcode: NN4 6AY.
Are you accessible?
My practice offers ample parking, step-free access, a portable hearing loop, is assistance dog friendly and provides toilet facilities with grab rails and a raised toilet seat. There’s always room to improve and expand accessibility, so if you have additional access needs that you would like to discuss, please do get in touch.
How many sessions will I need?
Every person’s process is different, so the number of sessions each person needs will also differ. As a minimum, therapists usually suggest attending weekly, over 6-12 sessions. However, some clients attend fortnightly and some prefer a longer-term arrangement. We will periodically review our work together, discuss whether you are gaining what you wanted from therapy and when you would like to conclude.
Is the service confidential?
Yes. Discussions between you and me are kept in the strictest of confidence. However, there are possible exceptions to confidentiality, such as if I felt either you or someone else was at serious risk of harm. Limits to confidentiality are something we will discuss in our first session together.
Please contact me if you have any questions about therapy or would like to arrange a free initial consultation. I endeavour to respond to new enquiries within 2 working days.
My in-person sessions are held in my private therapy room in Wootton, Northampton. Wootton, is easily accessible from surrounding areas such as Hardingstone, East Hunsbury, Collingtree, and Grange Park.