Michelle Lumley, BACP

Michelle Lumley is a qualified and registered BACP counsellor who offers a welcoming and measured approach to therapy. She holds membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and maintains professional liability insurance while regularly taking part in ongoing professional development. Her work draws on experience supporting people with a range of concerns, including anxiety, bereavement, depression, self-harm, sexual abuse and domestic abuse.

As an integrative counsellor, Michelle draws on multiple therapeutic approaches so her practice can be adapted to the distinct needs of each person. She works from a humanistic perspective, placing the therapeutic relationship at the centre of the work. Listening closely and asking curious, open questions helps identify what someone needs from counselling, particularly when people feel uncomfortable but are unsure about the source of those feelings.

Michelle aims to create a respectful space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgement. She does not direct clients on what to feel or how to act; instead she supports collaborative reflection and regular reviews to ensure the work remains helpful and relevant. Described as patient, kind and curious, she also integrates creative methods such as art materials and reflective writing to open alternative routes for communication and insight.

Her practice offers both online and face-to-face counselling sessions for adults aged 18 and over. Online sessions can be arranged for clients throughout the UK, and she provides options for either short-term or longer-term work depending on individual needs. Flexible session times are available to accommodate those with variable shift patterns.

An initial exploratory session can be arranged to discuss how counselling might be useful. During that first meeting Michelle will complete any necessary paperwork with the client, explain how she works within the BACP ethical framework, and agree a working plan. That session is also an opportunity to explore the issues that brought someone to therapy and to set the pace for subsequent work.

Michelle’s areas of support include ADD / ADHD, anger management, anxiety, autism spectrum concerns, bereavement, cancer-related issues, child-related concerns, chronic fatigue syndrome / ME, depression, disability, eating disorders, health-related issues, identity matters, loss, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, phobias, redundancy, relationships, self-esteem, self-harm, sexual identity, stress and work-related difficulties. Her therapeutic approaches include Gestalt, humanistic, person-centred work and transactional analysis.