Michelelindsay

Please note that client parking access is on the corner of Wandoo and Doggett Streets, New Farm


Michele Lindsay

I am a counsellor/psychotherapist who wants to help you find a fresh perspective. My life-long passion is helping others to achieve their full potential, by working with the whole person as an emotional, intellectual, physical, sexual and spiritual being.

I have 30 years experience supporting and motivating others to attain their dreams, in the UK and in Australia. I believe I can provide you with a supportive therapeutic partnership in a safe environment. I want to help alleviate any distress you might be having, work with you to resolve the issues which are preventing your relationships from being the best possible and assist you in exploring all your options, so that you can make the changes you want.

As a member of the queer community I offer a safe place for individuals and couples to work through lgbtiq issues: sexuality and gender identity; coming out; family; workplace; grief and loss and addictions.

Whether you are straight or gay, my approach is person-centred. It is strengths based and solution oriented. According to your needs, in the here-and-now, I will respectfully employ the 'best fit' therapeutic approach. I will balance support with challenge.

---

MY VISION

I believe that when we fully accept ourselves

...then we can begin to change

I believe that you are the expert in your life

...the creator of your own destiny

It is essential that we accept all of our diverse characteristics as who we are. Only by embracing the so-called 'negative' traits as well as the positive can we effect change. If you are having to 'be' or 'do' by yourself when you need the support of someone you will be stressed. From stress comes shame and feeling 'less than'.

I am committed to life-long learning and believe loving ourselves is the foundation for all our learning. Your ability to experience your own feelings is an indicator of how able you are to love yourself and be open to the feelings of others.

Love is making choices that affirm both yourself and your significant other(s) in your relationships.

Life is about choice. Being 'stuck' is a choice. In counselling you can acquire the tools that make it easy to choose well.

I want to help you, not by sifting through the past, but by being wholly present with you as you work through your process of self-discovery. As your counsellor it is my responsibility to facilitate a process to empower you to move forward with your life. I am here to help you explore your options and acquire the skills you need in order to achieve the goals which you will set.

When you're too entangled in the emotion of the moment and need clarity, counselling can help you to focus on desired outcomes and identify the steps you need to take to achieve these. We can work together to discover what you truly want. With your goals in mind, I will help you acquire the life-skills needed to attain your dreams.

You can either support or oppress yourself and others by the choices which you make.These choices lead to helpful or hurtful behaviour directed at yourself and them.

---

HOW CAN I BE USEFUL TO YOU?

If you are...

• suffering heartbreaking grief and loss
  you can choose to have support as you make your way through the process of mourning
  - and learn how to 'move on'
  
  
• being troubled by relentless negative self-talk
  you can find your own voice to challenge those untruths
  
  
• brooding over the past or non-stop worrying about the future
  you can allow yourself to take pleasure in the living moment and enjoy anticipatory excitement
  
  
• swinging uncontrollably from one mood to another
  you can manage your emotions effectively
  
  
  
• despairing at your inability to get out of the cycle of addiction
  you can explore your options, make a commitment, and learn strategies to 'urge surf'
  
  
• feeling disappointed that you can't sustain contentment
  you can discover your higher self
  
  
• questioning the meaning of life: "I'm just marking time" or 'There must be more than this'
  you can examine your own philosophy and explore alternatives
  
  
• feeling frustrated with conflictual relationships
  you can build fulfilling relationships based on mutual respect and trust
  
  
• being overwhelmed by stresses and sensing imbalance
  you can learn anxiety-reduction and stress-management strategies
  
  
• experiencing that sinking feeling of "I'm not up to this"
  you can attain self-belief through self-awareness and self-mastery

My belief is that you are already capable and are ready to become confident in your abilities.

You are ready to take control of your life.

You have the courage to make the first step.

Allow yourself to feel your feelings and imagine a new way of being.

---

MODALITIES

I am trained in a range of therapeutic approaches:

• Gestalt Therapy
  
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
  
• Family Systems Theory
  
• Solution Oriented Therapy
  
• Transactional Analysis
  
• Narrative Therapy

I will utilise the approach which suits your individual needs and communication style. I will be respectful of your values and sensitive to the familial, social and cultural contexts of the issues which you bring to counselling .

In order to change you need new learning to replace unhelpful patterns with new, more appropriate behaviours. To achieve this you need a nurturing place to be motivated and find your purpose, trusting someone to help you.

You are the expert in your lived experience.

As your counsellor I am responsible for the therapeutic process.

The most powerful therapeutic tool will be our strong working alliance.

I would feel honoured if you allow me to be part of your process.

Taking charge of your life is about self-responsibility


Contact Details

Phone: 0439 157 422

Email: michele@holistic.com.au.

I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

You will find me at the Brisbane Holistic Health Centre in the CBD.


www.holistic.com.au/CBD/treatments/counselling.htm

www.goodtherapy.com.au/michele_lindsay