Michelle Lumley , BACP

Michelle Lumley is a BACP-registered counsellor who combines an integrative, humanistic approach with practical therapeutic tools to support adults facing a wide range of life challenges. Registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), she brings professional training, regular professional development, and professional liability insurance to her practice.

Working in a person-centered way, Michelle focuses on building a trusted, curious relationship by listening carefully and asking thoughtful questions to help clients explore what matters most to them. That exploratory stance can be especially helpful when someone senses discomfort or distress but is unsure of the cause. She adapts elements from different therapeutic models to fit each individual, offering flexibility in how sessions are structured and which techniques are used.

Michelle has experience supporting people with anxiety, bereavement, depression, self-harm, sexual abuse and domestic abuse, and she also works with issues such as stress, relationships, parenting, ADHD, trauma, grief, self-esteem and many other concerns. She is described as patient, kind and curious, and she often incorporates creative methods such as art materials and reflective writing to open alternative ways of expressing experience.

Her practice provides both online and face-to-face counselling for people aged 18 and over, with online sessions available across the United Kingdom. Michelle offers short-term or longer-term work and flexible session times, and she regularly reviews progress with clients to ensure the approach remains appropriate and effective.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Michelle draws on client-centered therapy, attachment-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to tailor support to each person. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship in which the client’s own goals and pace guide the work - it helps with self-esteem, relationship issues and emotional understanding. Attachment-based therapy explores patterns formed in early relationships and how they affect current connections and intimacy, which can be useful for abandonment, attachment and relationship difficulties. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers practical strategies to identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, and is often used for anxiety, low mood and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Michelle works collaboratively with clients to decide which methods best match their needs, goals and preferences. That collaborative process means approaches can be blended and adjusted over time to suit changing circumstances.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging provides practical flexibility for people balancing work, family or health needs. These options make it easier to attend sessions from different locations, maintain momentum between meetings and choose formats that feel most comfortable for each individual, while still working with licensed professionals and therapists to progress toward personal goals.