Michelle Dunne , BACP

Michelle Dunne is a person-centred counsellor and a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) who works in line with its Ethical Framework. She has three years of professional experience supporting people facing stress, anxiety, family conflict, grief and loss, and depression. Her practice focuses on creating a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can name and explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace.

Michelle believes that being genuinely heard and met with compassion can open the way to deeper self-understanding and meaningful change. She aims to offer a reliable therapeutic relationship in which clients feel cared for and valued, and where mindful listening and thoughtful reflection support personal insight and growth. Seeking therapy often takes courage, and Michelle’s role is to support and empower people as they take those first steps toward a more fulfilling life.

Her background includes work with people in crisis and with trauma, including those affected by sudden and violent bereavement, so grief and loss are areas she approaches with particular sensitivity. As a late-diagnosed autistic woman, she enjoys working with neurodivergent clients and embraces diverse family configurations and relationship styles. Her lived experience includes both same-sex and heterosexual relationships and step-parenting; she is open to learning about other relationship structures, including polyamory.

Michelle’s training includes a BEd (Hons) with QTS in English and Education from Cambridge University, a CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (advanced professional counselling training), CPCAB Level 4 and Level 3 qualifications, APT Level 2 training in Motivational Interviewing and DBT, NCFE Level 2 counselling skills, and additional certificates in safeguarding. She also holds CPD certificates in GDPR, equality and diversity, and suicide awareness, and carries public liability insurance. Michelle values walking, time with her three dogs, and travel, and she appreciates the privilege of working with people who are willing to be vulnerable in therapy.

Client-Centred and Motivational Approaches for Remote Work

Michelle uses client-centred therapy to create a respectful, accepting environment in which clients lead the pace and focus of sessions. This approach helps people explore personal values, relationships and emotional challenges by emphasizing empathy, active listening and unconditional positive regard.

She also draws on motivational interviewing, a collaborative method that helps people clarify their goals and strengthen their own motivation for change. This approach is useful for addressing ambivalence around behaviour change, including issues related to addictions, lifestyle shifts, and goal-directed work.

Michelle approaches treatment planning as a collaborative process - she will work with each client to identify which methods feel most helpful based on their needs, goals and preferences. Finding the right therapeutic fit is part of the journey and she supports clients in adapting the approach as work progresses.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility: sessions can take place by video call or phone, and shorter or more frequent contact can be arranged via live chat or text-based messaging when that better suits a client’s life. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, to access support from different locations, and to maintain continuity of care with licensed professionals and therapists despite geographical constraints.