Michelle Brooks is a Counsellor and Psychotherapist dedicated to helping others work through life’s challenges,
to discover increased hope, purpose and authenticity.
Training and Qualifications
Certified Counsellor: Registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation Australia (PACFA, Register Number 29019)
Certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Practitioner (Postgraduate Equivalent): Registered with The Equine Psychotherapy Institute (180 hours of specialised training and examination)
Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Cairnmillar Institute (currently completing Masters)
Advanced Training in Trauma Therapy: The Equine Psychotherapy Institute
Advanced Training in Working with Children and Adolescents: The Equine Psychotherapy Institute
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST): LivingWorks
Working Effectively with Overwhelm and High Levels of Stress: Cairnmillar Institute
Online Counselling: Cairnmillar Institute
Indigenous Cultural Awareness Work Ready Course: Your Mob Learning
Establishing your Working Hypothesis: Association of Soul Centred Psychotherapists
Member of International Institute of Complimentary Therapists
Bachelor of Business (Management): Monash University
Hi. My name is Michelle, and I'm devoted to supporting and empowering individuals on their journey of healing and self-discovery. In my practice, I work with clients facing a range of needs and challenges. Often these stem from varying degrees of trauma or traumatic experiences.
I aim for clients to experience a 'safe' relationship (which may also extend to a 'safe' connection with 'the horse') to support stabilisation and resourcing, processing when appropriate, and strategies to cultivate healing and resilience. We can also work together to uncover underlying patterns, thought processes and triggers affecting your relationship with yourself and with others.
As a Counsellor and Equine Assisted Psychotherapist, I am blessed to witness the remarkable benefits of this work firsthand. Personally, I have also experienced the beneficial impact of counselling and psychotherapy. My passion for this field is wide and varied, having worked with neurodiverse children and teens, trauma and PTSD presentations, facilitated equine assisted psychotherapy and equine assisted learning individual and school group programs, mentored community youth programs, facilitated 12-step Addiction Recovery Programs, delivered Strengthening Marriage and Family courses and more. Additionally, I bring an expertise in managing groups from my background in leading corporate workshops and research groups, as well as lecturing in consumer behaviour at Monash University. My lifelong love of horses has drawn me to work alongside them in the therapeutic process, creating a unique and profound experience for my clients.
I look forward to accompanying you on your journey towards greater resilience and growth.
My Story
Within the horse community, it is not unusual to hear a person say, “my horse got me through my teens.” Looking back, I realise too that being with, and caring for my beloved horse, Shadash, gave me much emotional strength and resilience.
Being raised with family incidence of mental illness, suicidality, addiction and trauma, I struggled with my own sense of self, belonging and purpose. The resonance I felt with my horse, which at the time I thought was borne from a joy for riding, I see was also her ability to hold space for me when I was down, to help me live and breathe into the present, and demonstrate how to live without judgement.
Thirty-five years on and I am now once again blessed to have horses in my life. I learn from each horse something different, whether how to address my own fears; how to identify and communicate boundaries; the relief of living in the “here-and-now” rather than holding onto the past — or worrying about the future; being willing to lead and be led, without pride; the need for constant nurture; and our need for unconditional acceptance.
My personal life journey has engendered within me a desire to try to help another, offer hope within the therapeutic relationship, and share our little piece of Eden with you.
