Welcome
My name is Michele
I’m a BACP registered counsellor based in Earls Colne, near Halstead and Colchester, working in line with recognised professional and ethical standards. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore thoughts and feelings, helping to improve emotional wellbeing. I specialise in counselling for children and teenagers, and also hold an additional qualification in adult counselling, enabling me to offer tailored support for all ages. Alongside my private practice, I am also a therapist at Castle Counselling Service
Services
I provide counselling and therapy for children (aged 5+), teenagers, and adults, as well as support to strengthen the parent–child relationship. Sessions can be short-term or open-ended, depending on your needs.
Support is available online via Zoom, offering flexibility and comfort from home. If you prefer face-to-face sessions, I also work from my private practice room at Castle Counselling in Earls Colne, Essex—a calm, welcoming, and easily accessible space.
I also offer parent support sessions, designed to provide guidance, strategies, and emotional support for those navigating the challenges of raising a child or teenager. These sessions are not therapy but focus on helping you feel more confident in supporting your family’s wellbeing.
In addition, I collaborate with schools and organisations, offering tailored counselling support and guidance. Please get in touch to discuss how I can help.
CHILD THERAPY
A confidential and gentle space where children can explore their feelings and behaviour through play, art, and creative activities—helping them understand themselves and build healthy coping skills.
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TEEN THERAPY
A safe, confidential space for teenagers to explore feelings around anxiety, low mood, grief, identity, or relationship difficulties. Therapy can help them feel more supported, build confidence, and develop healthy ways to cope.
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PARENT-CHILD THERAPY
A confidential, supportive space for parents and children and teens to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, and navigate emotional or behavioural difficulties together.
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ADULT THERAPY
A confidential, compassionate space to explore life’s difficulties—such as stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, or loss—and find new ways to cope and grow.
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WHAT I CAN HELP WITH
I know how heavy life feels. Everyone faces different struggles—things like anxiety, stress, or challenges at home, work and school—and these affect each person differently. That’s why I use a flexible approach, working in a way that fits you or your child.
Book a call and let’s take the first step together toward growth and empowerment.
This is not an exhaustive list, so do get in touch with any other issues.
ADHD
OCD
Friendship issues
Anxiety
Bereavement
Self-harm
Stress
Low self-esteem
Bullying
Depression
Relationships
Anger
HOW IT WORKS
01
Contact me
The first step can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone — I’m here to provide a safe space and help you or your loved one find the support you need.You can contact me by using the contact form on the website, by emailing or leaving a voicemail.If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, we encourage you to contact emergency services or a local crisis support line.
02
Arrange a 10-minute telephone
consultation
Once I receive your enquiry, I will aim to respond within 48 hours to arrange a free, no-obligation 10-minute telephone chat. This call offers a chance to talk through your needs, answer any questions, and help you decide whether I’m the right fit for you or your loved one.
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Book an Intial Intake Session
The intake session is charged at the same rate as a standard therapy session.
During this first session, I will gather more in-depth information about your background, current concerns, and what you hope to get from therapy. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for how I work.
After the session, you are welcome to take some time to reflect and decide whether you’d like to continue
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Ongoing Therapy
sessions
Sessions are then arranged on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
FEES:
All of our initial telephone consultations 10- minutes,are free of charge, to allow us to assess our ability to help each client and discuss the next steps moving forward.
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Hourly fee is £60 for indvidual therapy and Parent-Child sessions are £70, and includes any creative resources used within sessions. Appointments are secured upon payment and cancellations not within the cancellation policy; the full fee will still be payable.
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Fees are reviewed annually in order to remain competitive and inline with the current market.
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How do I know if I or my child/Teen might benefit from counselling?Counselling can offer support when life feels challenging — whether it’s stress, overthinking, trouble sleeping, low mood, anxiety, grief, life transitions, loss of motivation, parental separation, or difficulties in relationships and friendships. It’s also helpful if you or your child simply feel unsettled or stuck in daily life. A free 10-minute phone chat can help you explore your needs and see if counselling feels like the right step.
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What issues can counselling address?Counselling can help teens, adults, and families navigate life’s challenges — from anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem to trauma, OCD, and relationship conflicts. Whether you're a teen struggling with school or identity, a parent facing communication breakdowns, or an adult feeling overwhelmed, therapy offers support, clarity, and tools for positive change.
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How long does each counselling session last?Each counselling session typically lasts 50 minutes. This time is dedicated to focusing on your needs and working towards your goals in a supportive environment.
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What is the initial consultation?What is the initial consultation? I offer a free 10-minute telephone consultation to discuss your concerns and goals for therapy. We’ll go over how counselling works, what to expect, and you can ask any questions. If it feels like a good fit and I’m confident I can help, we can then book your first assessment session.
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Is counselling confidential ?What you share in counselling is private and stays between us, as confidentiality is an important part of building trust. There are only a few rare situations where I may have to share information: if I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, if a child or vulnerable adult is unsafe, if a court requires me to, or if the law requires me to report matters linked to terrorism or money laundering.
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How many sessions will I need?This varies depending on your needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term therapy, while others may choose longer-term support. We will regularly review and decide when to bring our work to a close.
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What happens if I need to cancel a session?Payment is due 48 hours before your scheduled session. You may cancel or reschedule without any fee up to 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the appointment are subject to the full session fee.
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What are parent support sessions?Parent support sessions help you navigate the challenges of parenting. They aren’t therapy for your child and are usually scheduled monthly.
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How can I book a session?You can book a session by phone, email, or through the online booking form on my website. I'll respond within 48 hours, so please check your spam or junk folder just in case. I look forward to connecting and finding a time that works for you.
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What happens in the Intake session(Adult)?The first session focuses on getting to know each other. I’ll explain how therapy works, go over confidentiality, and ask about your background and reasons for seeking support. It’s also a chance for us to see if we’re a good fit to work together.
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When is it a good time to seek counselling for my child or teenager?It's a good idea to consider counselling if your child is dealing with ongoing stress, anxiety, low mood, changes in behaviour, school difficulties, or relationship struggles. Early support can help them process their feelings, develop coping skills, and build resilience before challenges become overwhelming.
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What happens in the Intake session (CYP)?This is a safe space to talk openly. We’ll get to know you and the child, explain how we work, and explore if our support is right for you.
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Is my child allowed to bring items to sessions?Absolutely. Comfort items are welcome—just no lingering food smells or furry friends, please.
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Can I stay with my child during Individual child therapy.You’re always welcome to come in and help your child settle at the start. However, therapy usually works best without parents or friends in the room, as your presence can unintentionally interrupt the process. We recommend staying just a few minutes before leaving, though we’ll never force you to go.
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Are my child's or teenager's sessions confidential?Yes, everything your child shares in their sessions is kept private. I understand it can be tough not knowing every detail, so I'll keep you updated on their progress and help your child share important things with you when they feel ready.
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Why does it seem like therapy is just playtime?It might look like we're just playing, but play is a powerful tool in therapy, especially for young children. Through play, kids express their feelings, worries, and experiences in a natural way. My role is to engage with them, notice the cues and patterns, and help them understand and process their emotions safely and supportively.
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How do I pay for our sessions?Whether online or in-person therapy sessions at our private practice consultancy rooms, please pay in full 48 hours before your session begins. Fees are usually paid via bank transfer.
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When should therapy end?Therapy is guided by your child, so the choice to finish usually comes from them. I’ll support and encourage them when I feel they’re ready to move on, and I only continue sessions when I know they are benefiting and being supported.
Ready to begin your journey? I’m here to support you every step of the way.
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If you have any questions, need more details, or want to explore how therapy can help you, feel free to reach out. I’m here to listen, offer guidance, and help you move forward.