Michelle Copley , BACP

Michelle Copley is a counsellor accredited by the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - who has supported people facing a wide range of concerns, including trauma (including PTSD), grief, relationship difficulties, opioid and alcohol addiction, parenting challenges, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety. She works in an engaging, collaborative manner, aiming to build understanding of each person’s struggles and to help them take practical steps forward. Michelle seeks to make the counselling journey as approachable as possible and believes everyone deserves respect and to feel understood at times of need.

As an integrative counsellor, she is trained in multiple therapeutic techniques and tailors her approach to fit what a client says and how they feel, creating personalised plans to reach agreed goals. Her sessions are psycho-educational and conversational - she combines exploration and insight with teaching about the therapies in use so people can apply skills beyond the therapy room.

Her primary methods include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which addresses unhelpful thoughts and behaviours; Transactional Analysis (TA), which examines patterns in relationships and communication; and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which focuses on emotional regulation and coping skills. She has experience delivering both in-person and remote work, and since the Covid period she has continued to offer therapy online to support clients who prefer to engage from their own surroundings.

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care

Michelle commonly uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps people identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and related difficulties. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is used to teach practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and strengthening interpersonal effectiveness. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive, non-judgemental space where the therapist follows the client’s lead to build self-awareness and personal growth.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Michelle collaborates with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences and to select or combine methods that fit best, adapting plans as progress unfolds to ensure the work remains relevant and effective.

Online therapy via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility and accessibility, allowing people to attend sessions from familiar surroundings and to fit therapy into busy schedules. For many clients, working with licensed professionals online reduces travel time and makes regular attendance more manageable while preserving the therapeutic connection with a trained therapist.