Hello, my name is Michaela McGee.  I am a professionally qualified Counsellor working within private practice.  I also work in an educational environment, assisting individuals with various issues.  I hold an Advanced Diploma in Counselling, building upon previously gained Certificates of Counselling Skills and Counselling Theory and I am currently studying towards the professional qualification for an Advanced Diploma in Relationship Therapy within the University of Hull.

I began my counselling studies in 2000 and since then I have worked within various Health Care environments within the NHS. I have experience with a range of issues (particularly with eating disorders and alcohol abuse). I also have extensive experience regarding terminal illness and the surrounding effects, and adoption issues.  I have completed specialist workshops for the purpose of continued professional development and additional studies have encompassed ‘Time-limited’ (brief) therapy and ‘Solution-focused strategies’.

Within my career I have covered a variety of issues including communication difficulties, anxiety, fear, loss, harassment, trauma, sexual issues, racism and family issues, at different life stages.  The core of my counselling work is client-centred (humanistic) counselling. In this ‘caring’ and gentle approach, Client needs and feelings are considered most important, and you are supported as knowing what is best for yourself, and deciding and accepting responsibility for what changes might be made, and when. In addition to this I am able to support cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic work, life skills and assertiveness issues.

My counselling function is to help facilitate and support you as we work through purposeful, yet flexible, stages of exploration, understanding and action. Counselling is provided according to your needs, aiming at a pace and frequency suitable to you. The counselling process may be challenging, yet provides an enriching opportunity for you to work towards living in a more satisfactory/resourceful way. This is a voluntary professional relationship entered into after an informal discussion, with mutual agreement on issues e.g. confidentiality, cost, time-scale etc.

As a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) I am bound by its’ Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to the Professional Conduct Procedure.
I can also facilitate Adult Education and Independent Group workshops.  My counselling work is regularly supervised, independently and externally to my private practice, along BACP guidelines.

In addition to initial telephone/email communications, an initial 15-minute consultation/assessment is provided, without charge or obligation, prior to contracting. This is linked with, and immediately before, a full 1hr counselling session.
Fees: 1hr £45 Business; £36 Individual; £40 Couples; £30 low-income/Students (from1.4.08)
Availability: By prior appointment, at the Clinic, on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturday
Contact: My Direct Line for enquiries/appointments 07736 778059, with voicemail
Clinic Reception: Short-notice appointment changes to (01709) 702230/1 please