About Michelle

I’m Michelle Courtney, an Integrative Psychotherapist, a Person-Centred Counsellor and the founder of SawSak Coaching. My personal and professional journey has been enriched by clients, like you, who dare to become curious and open-minded to the therapeutic process. And there is a neurobiological science behind ‘talking therapies’ in which my approach integrates mind, body, and cognitive ways of being. I am so looking forward to hearing from you and the possibility that we can work together.

Personalised Approach to Clients

My approach is about de-mystifying the therapeutic process for you. This begins in our first session, by identifying what has brought you to therapy and what you hope to gain from the process. We then take a step-by-step approach, as no one therapy fits all. But what we all have in common as human beings, is an autonomic nervous system (ANS) that for 500 million years or so, has been in the process of evolutionary updates to our brain and body, and in the service of keeping us safe and alive.

However, our ANS has so many challenges to adapt to our modern life, that often in times of stress or trauma, the mind and body become overwhelmed in adapting, and our resilience levels become depleted. In short, this may culminate in feeling anxious, fatigued, depressed, and unsafe. This in turn leads to unsafe stories, which our minds become stuck in, and misdirect our attention away from connection to self, relationships, and our place in the world. A personalised approach to your therapeutic journey addresses what it is you want to get out of therapy and provides you with a roadmap to achieve this;

• Learn simple techniques to regulate your autonomic nervous system

• Powerful strategies to manage stress, anxiety and depression

• Regulate your mind and body for trauma healing

• Skills for self-directed neuroplasticity and brain health

• Proven methods to improve memory concentration and cognitive function

• Mindfulness techniques to calm the mind and enhance connection with others

• Overcome obstacles and practice positive habits to achieve your goals

Why is this necessary?

If you feel unsafe, your body and mind will react to environmental threats with the intention of survival and protection. In contrast, when you feel safe, your body and mind are open to seeking out social connection, therapeutic growth, and maintenance of your health and well-being. This places the emphasis on me, the therapist, and you, the client, to work together and feel safe to communicate openly in the therapeutic relationship.

How are you feeling in your body and your mind right now? Are you constantly sensing threats and feeling anxious, and unsafe? And/or are you feeling depressed/protective/shut down in your relationships, and the world out there is unsafe and dangerous?

If your answer is yes, then we can work together. I offer sessions face-to-face and online to individual adults, and young persons (14+).

The first step is to get in touch

My intention is to create a feel safe therapeutic relationship with you, by creating a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where our communication can flourish.

I am committed to developing a collaborative and trusting relationship, built on empathy and understanding, that will serve as the foundation for transformative change. I eagerly look forward to uncovering insights, overcoming challenges, and discovering the inner strength and resilience that resides within you, the client.

Together, we will navigate the complexities of emotions, thoughts, and feelings to provide insight and a toolbox of techniques that you can integrate into your everyday life. Our therapeutic journey promises a path of self-discovery, empowerment, and well-being. I am honoured that you are willing to take this first step, with me walking alongside you, as you embark on this transformative therapeutic adventure.