Michelle Copley , BACP

Michelle Copley qualified in 2011 and has developed a broad practice working with people facing trauma including PTSD, grief, relationship difficulties, opioid and alcohol addiction, parenting challenges, self-harm and thoughts of suicide, depression, and anxiety. She practices in an integrative way, drawing on a range of counselling and psychotherapy methods to build personalised plans tailored to each person’s needs and goals.

Her style is collaborative and conversational, combining insight-focused work with psycho-education so clients better understand the approaches used and can apply what they learn outside sessions. Michelle aims to make the counselling journey accessible and respectful, recognising how daunting it can feel to begin therapy and offering consistent support, guidance, and practical tools to move forward.

Key approaches in her work include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - which examines thinking patterns and behaviours - Transactional Analysis - which explores relationship dynamics - and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy - which teaches skills for emotional regulation. Since the onset of Covid she has delivered therapy exclusively online, finding this format helps people fit sessions into their lives without extra travel time or cost. Michelle is a member of the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which is a professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists.

Approaches and online delivery for therapeutic change

Michelle uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people notice and adjust unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours; this approach is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. She also draws on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy to teach practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and supporting healthier interpersonal interactions. In addition, a client-centered stance underpins her work - creating a respectful, non-judgmental space where the person’s experience guides the pace and focus of therapy.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Michelle works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best suit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts the plan as progress unfolds so the work stays relevant and effective.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for those juggling work, family, or mobility considerations. These options make it easier to attend regularly and integrate therapeutic learning into everyday life while preserving the same professional standards therapists bring to in-person work.