About

About Me

Hi, I’m Michelle. I first became interested in mindfulness thirty years ago. Through my work, I met a young couple who introduced me to yoga and meditation. I was studying psychology at the time, and volunteering as a support person for people living with terminal illness.

Mindfulness techniques and yoga quickly became a big part of my life, and through repeated practice I learned to quiet my busy and distracted mind, and gradually I attained a greater sense of inner peace. I went on to become a Fully Registered Psychologist, and eventually trained as an ACT practitioner, a Yoga Teacher and a Mindfulness Trainer.

Mindfulness has come a long way since the 1980’s, and now mindfulness has become integrated into several evidence-based approaches to psychology, such as Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).

About You

There’s definitely some commonalities to the people I love to work with. You may not be all of these things, but if you connect with some of them, then it may be an indication it’s a good fit to work together:

Highly sensitive people
Perfectionists
Highly anxious people
People with depression

LGBTQIA community
DVA White Card Holders
DVA Gold Card Holders
Veteran’s & their families

People with PTSD/trauma
People with grief & loss
People with addictions
People pleasers

People who want to grow
People who work hard
Consistent & reliable people
Open & honest people

About My Approach

Over the last 25 years, I have studied many approaches to psychotherapy, including Cognitive-Behavioural, Solution-Focused, Process-Oriented, Narrative and Psychodynamic approaches. I have also studied yoga, meditation and mindfulness extensively, and read widely on psychology, spirituality and the human mind.

I am a an AHPRA registered Psychologist, and was first registered back in 1999, after completing 8-years of training, including an honours degree in Psychology, and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. In 2011, a major health issue saw me have some time off from psychology, and in those years I trained as an organic farmer, yoga teacher and life coach.

Since 2011, I have focused my training on an approach called ACT – which stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It’s a mindfulness-based approach which is supported by extensive research and clinical practice.

This is now the primary framework I use in my therapy sessions, so here is a quick overview of the main elements:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

The aim of ACT is to help you create a rich, full and meaningful life, while at the same time, helping you learn to accept and deal effectively with some of the inevitable pain that comes your way.

There are 6 core therapeutic processes that make up ACT sessions:

1. Be Present

2. Defuse Unhelpful Thoughts

3. Accept What Is

4. Locate Your True Self

5. Clarify Your Values

6. Take Committed Action

Together these 6 core processes contribute to something we call Psychological Flexibility.

The more psychological flexibility you have, the better you are able to cope with challenges and enjoy your life.

About My Fee Schedule

Fees are payable at the time of booking (when booking via the website) or at the time of your appointment.

My fees reflect my 25+ years experience and remain well below the APS recommended fee schedule of $260 (per 50 mins).

I am registered with Medicare as well as Private Health Funds. Check your Private Health Fund for rebate offerings.

If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, your out-of-pocket expense will be $116.75 (based on 50min subsequent consult). However, if you have reached the Medicare Safety Net Threshold, 80% of your fee will be refunded.

If you are a veteran or currently serving member of the ADF, please ask your GP for a referral under DVA (White or Gold card) or contact Open Arms and ask to be referred to me.

I do not bulk bill and my fees are not negotiable.

My fees are inclusive of other psychological and administrative activities that must be undertaken outside of your appointment time to provide a service to you, including profile set-up, note-writing, planning & preparation for sessions, emails, appointment setting and standard communication with GP’s about your MHCP.

Cancellation fees will be payable for missed appointments or appointments cancelled with less than 24-hours notice.