Philosophy & Vision
Embarking on a journey of self exploration with a therapist can feel like a risky decision as it involves the opening up of both mind and heart in the presence of another. The benefits however can be powerful... understanding patterns, relationships, past hurts and confusing experiences within a caring and supportive environment can be transforming. A skilled therapist can help you connect with and utilise your own resources and find balance in life.
Background
I have over 25 years experience in the counselling field as both clinician and educator. This includes: faculty membership at the Jansen Newman Institute working as group therapist, Institute for Emotionally Focused Therapy as faculty member and trainer on post-graduate courses and workshops, consultant for The Australian Organ and Tissue Authority and The College Of Intensive Care Medicine delivering training to allied health professionals in grief and communication skills.
I spent 7 years as a specialist therapist/programme manager in the area of eating disorders in both inpatient and out patient settings. I am currently a facilitator for Full Stop Australia delivering training in Vicarious Trauma and Respectful workplaces.
Services
Short term counselling and psychotherapy for Individuals only.
Supervision of counsellors and therapists, Counselling educator and group facilitator.
Quality Provision
One of my current passions is supporting older women to rediscover their purpose and vitality and in helping them learn to give themselves permission to seek pleasure and connection. Life transitions such as children leaving home, change in relationship and work circumstance or health concerns can be a potent time to begin to plot a reinvention and reawakening of forgotten parts of ourselves.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- M.A Counselling and Psychotherapy - 2013
- Graduate Diploma in Emotionally Focused Therapy - 2004
- Graduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy - 1999
- Graduate Diploma in Teaching - 1988
- B.A Theatre - 1986
Modalities
ACT - CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - Emotional Release - Emotionally Focused Therapy - Existential - Experiential - Inner Child - Internal Family Systems - Person Centred - Process Oriented - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
Coming from an emotionally-focused perspective, I encourage exploration and expression of feelings as the road to awareness and understanding of who we are.
This can be during a crisis, when making difficult decisions or just taking stock of life. Helping people to speak about, focus on, experience and express their inner world brings healing and change.
I also encourage exercise, writing, mindfulness practice, reading and other creative tasks to help support this process of change. Another line of enquiry is honouring the wisdom of the body and inviting focus on what our physical self may be communicating.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Clinical
Practice Locations
Suite 301, 166 Glebe Point Road
Glebe NSW 2037
Metered parking on the street. Several bus routes go past the door from Central Station. Parramatta road (Broadway) is a 10 min walk.
Appointments
Please note I am currently full and not taking on new clients.
Fees & Insurance
$150.00 per hour session (GST Included)
Payment Options
Transfer via Internet banking only.
Contact Michele
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Michele Stewart
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Difficult childhood experiences and getting 'lost' emotionally in my late teens/ twenties lead to a thirst for understanding what it means to be fully human. Training as a therapist seemed the route that offered to deepen a knowledge of myself and to assist others to embark on a journey inwards as well.
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The two greatest approaches for me have been studying Existential psychotherapy and the work of Irvin Yalom. This always brings me back to the idea that for all of us a desire to find meaning, purpose and a life aligned to our values provides a map for life.
The other school of therapy is Emotionally Focused therapy that holds the view that emotions are these amazing organising processes that enhance adaption and problem solving. We feel for very good reason!
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Any situation that takes us to our edge, that stretches or reorganises us has the potential for change and growth. This can turn up every day if we become more attuned to ourselves.
Currently I am very drawn to the process of getting older and the grief and beauty that can provide. -
Emotionally Focused Therapy
ACT
Polyvagal theory and calming the autonomic nervous system
Creative expression such as journalling, drawing or breath
Existential therapy
Love -
I usually encourage clients to plan for 3 sessions and see where they are after that. This gives both client and therapist time to feel out the space, the relationship and get a sense of how they will work together.
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Being a therapist and having many experiences of therapy has allowed me to deep dive into relating, conversations and experiences in the most authentic way. It has helped me be more human, vulnerable and open hearted. I am reminded in this work of the beauty of just being present and the gift that is for my self and those around me.
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Every day is different. I have the privilege of meeting people at their most raw, fearful, angry, joyful, hopeful....hearing precious secrets, pain, regrets. All of this and knowing that holding the therapeutic space makes such a difference in people lives. I see people begin to meet themselves with more love and self compassion. And every day I learn something new about myself.
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Every one has a bad hair day! I know this is also part of the greater scheme of things. I know how to look after myself with supervision, professional development and self care.
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The most significant problem we face today and that I see as a microcosm in the counselling room is anxiety.
It leaks out in peoples choices in relationships, work, friendships, expectations of ourselves and others. A little more self compassion, kindness and acknowledgement goes a long way. Remembering that we share this 'being humans' together would help de-escalate what so often is a lurching forward through experiences disconnected from our selves and others. -
David Bowies 'Heroes' gets me every time . Its an anthem and a statement about holding onto yourself in times of great change