REVIVE > SURVIVE > THRIVE – The right support changes everything. Care with compassion and awareness. Walk and Talk Counselling and Disability Support.

Walk and Talk Counselling

Michelle Richards
Trauma Informed Counselling
Disability Support
Case Management Services
Mobile: 0407 412 625

Mindfully M.A.D. Mentor
(Making a Difference)

WALK & TALK, OUTREACH & TELE-COUNSELLING

• Individualised Trauma Informed Counselling

• Care for those among us who are awake and have experienced loss, isolation and heartache
• Specialising in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Solution Focussed Therapy and Addiction Counselling and Mindfulness Mentoring

• Individualised Plans and Goal Setting

DISABILITY SUPPORT

Call now or send a text message and we can have a chat and make a plan about how to move forward.

I specialise in the following:-

• Psycho-social Support to find a pathway to independence

• Self-care packages with mentoring

Extensive Experience

I have developed my counselling approach through 26+ years experience in counselling, case management and various mental health support work roles.

I have worked in the following roles:

• 11 years as an Outreach Drug and Alcohol Counsellor with McAuley Outreach Service in the Hunter Valley, providing counselling and case management to support people in recovery from addiction, assisting them to make positive changes. I was employed as a Mental Health Specialist. This role also involved parenting support.

• 2 years as a Group Facilitator of the Holyoake Recovery Group Program supporting women in their recovery from drug and alcohol dependency.

• 2 years as Rehabilitation Consultant with Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service

• 3 years as a Employment Counsellor with Psychiatric Rehabilitation Australia (with the Personal Support Program).

• 4 years with Kaiyu Enterprises initially as a Support Worker and then as a Co-ordinator.

• 4 years as a Drug and Alcohol Worker with the Hunter Area Health Services

COUNSELLOR and SUPPORT WORKER

I am offering my services to the people on the Coffs Coast as a Counsellor and Support Worker. Please contact me on 0407 412 625.

DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKER

For Disability Support Work you can find me on Kynd and on Mable, or contact me directly. Please contact me on 0407 412 625.

COUNSELLING SPECIALISATIONS

I have had extensive experience providing Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy with an overall strengths based approach. My initial training was through Lifeline (in Hamilton) – where I learned skills in active listening and person-centred counselling. I have subsequently worked for many years as a counsellor, as well as having participated in specialized training, supervison and engaged in continuous learning and development. My approach is relaxed, informal, supportive and conversational, but within that I weave in approaches from CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Buddhist understanding.

CBT works on the thinking aspects of change and can be very helpful in unravelling and changing painful patterns of thinking.

Solution Focused Therapy is a practical approach involving goal setting where the goals are matched to your personal stage of change and needs.

I have taught meditation and mindfulness over the years and have studied Buddhist teachings extensively. I have personally found Buddhist insights have enabled me to find peace in a world that is increasingly challenging to navigate. As it is relevant and applicable I can weave Buddhist understanding into our conversation.

QUALIFICATIONS and COURSES

Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honours) Psychology
University of Newcastle (1997)

Graduate Diploma in Health Science (Year 1)
Clinical Drug Dependence Studies
University of Newcastle (1995)

Certificate IV in Small Business Management
Upper Hunter Business Enterprise Centre (1999)

The Holyoake Model Training (Holyoake W.A, 2011)

10 years of study of Buddhism

BONAFIDES

• ABN – 69 460 916 389

• Working With Children Check (WWCC verified 7th April 2023)

• First Aid Certificate – HLTAID0012/HLTAID011
and previously HLTAID004/HLTAID03
through Allens Training P/L (completed 4th March 2023)
• National Police Check (Checked Australia Pty Ltd, 6th April 2023)
• NDIS Worker’s Check Clearance (11th May 2023)

IF YOU ARE SEEKING DISABILITY SUPPORT…

If I work with you or someone you care about as a support worker, these are possibly some of the things we could do…walking, chatting over coffee, or exploring the beauty of the beaches, rivers and countryside. We can discover local spaces, places of interest and cafes.

My Disability Support Services may include:

• Planning / Goal Setting

• Support with activities of daily living – shopping, cooking and cleaning

• Digital mentoring (to increase skill and confidence with the use of computers etc)

• Attending appointments (travel training and transport)

• Support with resume writing, pre-vocational skills training and job seeking

• Creative activities such as arts and crafts, writing and assistance to engage in community based activities

My area of speciality is
psycho-social support assisting people with mental health issues to engage in the community and enjoy a higher quality of life. “With the right support we gain confidence, skills and joy” – Michelle Richards

TESTIMONIALS

“Michelle, I am a much better person and in such a great place (personally-mentally) now, and I know it is from meeting with you. I’m on the path I want and need to be on. Thank you.” – Toni

“Thankyou for your support over the last few months… if it weren’t for you, I’d probably have continued my relapse so Thank you. I really appreciate the time and effort you make for me. You have been an asset to my recovery and I’m sure you will be an asset to many other people.” – Kristy

FEEDBACK FROM COLLEAGUES

“Michelle is very resourceful and forthright and will go to great lengths to help her clients. She has the ability to empower and enable her clients to improve their situations. Michelle has a deep understanding of human nature and is able to communicate well and empathise. Michelle continues to build on her knowledge base and keeps up to date with personal development.”
– Janice (Co-worker) from Kaiyu Enterprises and Flourish (Previously PRA)

“Michelle has been my assistant in Tutoring a range of students from 5-16. Being adaptable and open-minded has enabled Michelle to support the skills and desires of the students. Michelle brings a sense of calm and balance to every situation, She sees the good in others and helps guide them through self-exploration and reflection. Her beautiful, kind and caring nature ripples out to others lifting the mood and promoting well being. Using her wisdom as a counsellor she has introduced a series of teachings to support the ‘whole ‘ of the being, which has been well received by all. Michelle is a bridge, assisting others in building a future. Service to others but not at the detriment to self. Maintains a positive, can do approach. The ability to overcome obstacles not by pushing them out of the way, instead by gently navigating around them. A considered approach driven by the heart.”
– Nicole (Supervising teacher from Coastal Tutors where I have been volunteering as a Tutor) 2023