Michelle Brooks is a Counsellor and Psychotherapist dedicated to helping others work through life’s challenges, to discover increased hope, purpose and authenticity.
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 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 Psychotherapy Practitioner, I am blessed to witness the remarkable benefits of this work firsthand. Personally, I have also experienced the profound impact of counselling and psychotherapy. I understand the courage it takes to embark on this journey—it’s not always easy, but it can be life-changing.
I look forward to accompanying you on your journey towards greater resilience and growth.
Michelle Brooks is a Certified Practicing Counsellor registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). She is dedicated to supporting individuals facing a range of mental health, relationship, and personal challenges, offering a compassionate, client-centred approach to healing and self-discovery. Michelle works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, as well as NDIS clients requiring capacity-building support to enhance their social and emotional well-being. She helps clients build resilience and develop practical strategies to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and self-awareness.
Michelle works with individuals, couples, and groups, using both talk therapy and experiential approaches such as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. She has worked with school groups and community youth programs, fostering emotional resilience and social development in young people. She has also facilitated Strengthening Marriage Courses and led 12-step Addiction Recovery Programs, supporting individuals and couples in improving communication, repairing relationships, and fostering emotional well-being.
Beyond her work in direct therapy, Michelle has an extensive background in consumer behaviour, having worked in consulting, corporate training, and university lecturing. She has conducted corporate workshops, research projects, and training sessions, helping individuals and organisations understand human behaviour, motivation, and decision-making.
Currently completing her Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Cairnmillar Institute, Michelle integrates evidence-based approaches with experiential therapies, tailoring her work to meet the unique needs of each client. A firm believer in the power of creative and relational therapeutic approaches, Michelle is committed to helping individuals find clarity, healing, and meaningful change in both their personal and professional lives.
Training and Qualifications
Certified Practicing 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 of Counselling and Psychotherapy)
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
Tuning Relationships with Music
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
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.
