Michelle Emsley, BACP

Michelle Emsley welcomes people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, grief or life changes. She works with adults who are trying to cope with relationship problems, depression, bereavement, health concerns and the fallout from separation. Michelle writes plainly and checks in with each person about what they want to change in day-to-day life.

Michelle has seven years of experience working in the United Kingdom. She holds BACP, which indicates registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Her style is warm and straightforward and aims to put people at ease when they first start talking.

In sessions she draws on person-centred work to listen and reflect, and on cognitive behavioural approaches to identify unhelpful thoughts and habits. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas to help people accept difficult emotions while choosing actions that matter to them.

Michelle helps people notice small patterns that make days harder and then finds practical steps to change those habits. Counselling is tailored to each person rather than following one fixed plan. She encourages small, manageable experiments that can fit around everyday responsibilities.

Practical issues such as coping with chronic illness, ageing, caregiver stress, body image, addiction-related problems and family of origin concerns are within her remit. She aims to work alongside people who want clearer thinking, steadier routines and better ways to handle life’s setbacks.

When someone is ready to begin, Michelle supports them through the first steps and the early weeks of therapy so they can build on their strengths and make changes that matter.

How therapeutic approaches adapt to online work

Michelle commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings and choose actions that match their values rather than getting stuck in avoidance. It can be useful for anxiety, grief and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and helps people test and change unhelpful thinking patterns to improve daily routines and mood.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals and try different strategies to see what fits best. Together they set small, realistic goals and review progress as therapy continues.

The practical benefits of online therapy depend on the session arrangements available. Please confirm current session options before booking so you know what format is offered. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time, which helps when juggling health, caregiving or work commitments. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises and worksheets to an online setting and agree a pace that suits each person’s life.