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Michelle Thatcher

Counselling Psychologist in Bath

HCPC Registered

WELCOME
Are you ready for change? Then let's begin
I specialize in psychological therapy using CBT, EMDR, ISTDP, curiosity and non judgment.

My  —  

 PRACTICE
PHILOSOPHY

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To suffer is to be human. Life can be hard at times leaving us feeling lost, confused, ashamed and reluctant to ask for help. But recognizing there's a problem is the first step to freeing yourself.  

 

I have been working with people therapeutically for 20 years, in the NHS, the charitable sector and in private practice. However, my desire to understand what it means to be human and why we suffer has been lifelong. I have had my own circuitous journey through therapy and have learned from both side what works and what fails. I have trained in multiple approaches having learned, that one size never fits all. Different people need different things at different times. My trainings in Psychology, CBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR and currently ISTDP allow different windows through which to view what's troubling you, offering many tools and strategies to support change. In addition, I have done various somatic based trainings to better understand the often overlooked role of the body in psychological distress.

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Alongside my psychological curiosity I have also been a long time spiritual wonderer, fascinated to see what lies beyond the mere personal self. A spiritual practice can be a great resource, whether that's a simple mindfulness practice or a devotional faith or prayer practice. I am very open to you bringing all parts of yourself to therapy.

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I would describe my overall approach as warm, pragmatic and change focused. I am here to support you and encourage you but also to challenge those parts of you that are holding you back. My question for you is:  So what would you like to change? And if not now, when?

"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we're challenged to change ourselves."

Viktor Frankl

PHILOSOPHY
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 Therapy Approaches

Counselling Psychology
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT

My core training is as a Counselling Psychologist. Counselling Psychology is based on respect for individual subjectivity and the importance of the therapeutic relationship.  The underlying ethos blends the humanistic principles of empathy, authenticity, non-judgmental support, with a rigorous attention to what works. For me it combines my desire to support and offer a holding space for you to heal with a more active and pragmatic focus on what needs to change.

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This respectful, person-centred approach is the backdrop to all of my work and it's from this foundation that I draw on the tools, techniques and methods from my other trainings to best help you to meet your goals.

CBT is a more structured and active approach that looks specifically at  modifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. Negative and self critical thinking along with avoidant or self defeating behaviours can keep us stuck in downward spirals. CBT tends to be shorter term and can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, panic, low mood and low self esteem. In particular, exposure therapy can be an effective way of dealing with irrational fears and conditions such a phobias, panic attacks and OCD. Homework is an important element of CBT as any changes discussed in sessions will need to be practiced outside of the sessions. For CBT to be effective it is important that you are willing to commit to taking action to change your habitual ways of operating. 

EMDR

EMDR is a treatment that is particularly effective with trauma and PTSD.  When we experience trauma the experience is so overwhelming that the thoughts, feelings and memories of what happened can get stuck. The aim of EMDR is to help the brain to process distressing memories, enabling you to move on with your life. It is rather different to other forms of talking therapy as a key feature is bilateral stimulation of both sides of the brain either through eye movements or other means such as tapping.  I can also offer a condensed version of EMDR known as Flash or Four Blinks, that can effectively reduce the impact of flashbacks or highly distressing memories. This can often be done in one or two sessions.

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Learn more: emdrassociation.org.uk

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SCHEMA THERAPY

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Schema therapy was originally developed as a therapy for people with more deeply entrenched patterns of thinking and behaving, usually stemming from childhood. It contains elements of cognitive therapy, similar to CBT, alongside more experiential practices like visualisation and using different chairs in the room to identify and dialogue with different parts of the self. For example, this could help you to see how one part of you is always critical and punishing, whilst another part feels frightened and unlovable. I don't offer Schema Therapy as a standalone treatment but often draw on the idea of different parts of the self and may suggest we use separate chairs to help you embody different parts of yourself.

 ISTDP

Intense short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) is a form of brief psychodynamic, experiential, and emotion focused psychotherapy with a robust evidence base. ISTDP addresses the underlying internal conflicts related to unresolved emotions from past attachment traumas, usually related to our parents or caregivers. Core emotions like grief, guilt and anger get buried when we're not safe enough to feel as children. These feelings get covered by anxiety and defences such as always keeping busy, becoming emotionally detached or not paying attention to ourselves.  In ISTDP the therapist is very active in tracking your anxiety whilst helping you challenge your defences.  The aim is to release and express core emotions so that the wounds from the past can be healed.  ISTDP uses videotaping of sessions to enhance understanding of the client's process.

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I am currently undertaking a 3 year training in ISTDP.

 

Learn more. www.istdp.org.uk

SERVICES
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FAQs

01

What are your fees ? Can I use my health insurance?


I currently charge £75 for self funded individuals for a 60 minute session. ISTDP and EMDR sessions are sometimes more effective with a 90 minute session which is charged pro rata. If you have insurance cover, I am registered with AXA, Aviva, WPA and Simply Health.

03

What problems can you help me with?

I have worked with a broad range of problems from anxiety, OCD and obsessive thoughts, low mood and depression, low self esteem, health anxiety, hoarding, PTSD and trauma, emotional and relationship problems. In addition people often come because they feel stuck, unfulfilled and lost. Whether there is a label for what you're experiencing or not, our work will be to make sense of it together and to find what's needed to move forwards.

02

How often are the sessions and how many will I need?

I normally see clients weekly, though occasionally more frequently when needed. Fortnightly sessions are also possible. Length of therapy will depend on your difficulties, your goals and also how ready you are to make changes.  I am happy to work short or longer term to fit your needs.

04

How do I know which therapist is right for me?

It can feel like a minefield trying to choose between the dizzying array of therapists and therapies available today. Feeling safe and comfortable with your therapist is essential.  I welcome a free initial 15 minute chat to answer any questions. I have a broad knowledge of many different forms of therapy and  will advise what I think would best suit your needs if you're unsure.

CONTACT

GET IN TOUCH

I work from my home in North

View Close, BATH BA2 1EH and also

online

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Tel: 07954585081

email: thatchermichelle@hotmail.com

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I am happy to arrange an initial free 15 minute chat to see how I might be able to help.

Thanks for submitting!

Michelle Thatcher 2023. Images by Frances Coch

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