Michelle Bentrup , PACFA

Michelle Bentrup supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem and depression. She also helps those facing life changes, workplace pressure and women’s issues. Michelle writes in a straightforward way and aims to make first steps less daunting for people who are unsure where to begin.

Michelle brings six years of recent clinical experience alongside earlier work in harm reduction and community services. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) and a Bachelor of Psychological Science, and is completing a Master of Psychological Practice. Michelle is a Clinical Member of PACFA and continues to build her skills with additional study.

Her approach is practical and trauma-informed. She focuses on the person rather than the problem and works collaboratively to set small, achievable goals. Sessions are conversational and aim to build useful tools for day-to-day life.

Michelle draws on a range of evidence-based techniques and adapts them to each person’s needs. She pays attention to feelings like shame, guilt and isolation, and to issues such as attachment or abandonment that can affect relationships and wellbeing. Her background in drug and alcohol support informs how she works with addictions and related stressors.

People meet her where they are, whether they are taking a first step, managing a setback or trying to make sense of a difficult time. Michelle aims to create an atmosphere of honesty and practical support, helping people move toward goals that matter to them.

Evidence-based approaches for online counselling

Michelle draws on well-established, evidence-based techniques and adapts them for online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on noticing difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choosing actions that match personal values. This approach can help with anxiety, stress and decisions about life direction.

Cognitive Processing Therapy helps people look at the thoughts that follow upsetting events and learn new, less painful ways of understanding those experiences. It is often useful for people who feel stuck by guilt, shame or traumatic memories.

Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. Michelle will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, and try different techniques to see what fits. The plan can change as needs evolve, with decisions made together about pacing and focus.

Online sessions are available by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to match different routines. Video calls are useful for richer face-to-face conversation, phone sessions work when bandwidth is limited, live chat can suit shorter check-ins, and messaging allows ongoing reflection between sessions. These options give flexibility for people balancing work, caregiving or travel while still accessing therapeutic support.