Michelle Rutter, BACP
Supportive person-centred counsellor for life changes
Continue with Michelle
Opens BetterHelp in a new tab, where you can review online therapy options.
At a glance
- Listed location
- United Kingdom
- Experience
- 6+ years
- Credentials
- BACP
- Languages
- English
- Registration (United Kingdom)
- BACP · No. 395654
Copied as listed by the therapist. You can check a registration with the body that issued it.
- Compassionate listening
- Practical coping skills
- Aging and geriatric issues
About Michelle
Michelle Rutter is a BACP counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, addiction, and life transitions. She also works with people dealing with ADHD, bereavement, self-esteem struggles and career stress. Michelle is experienced supporting those who have experienced trauma or chronic health challenges and notes a focus on ageing and geriatric issues among her areas of interest.
Her way of working is warm and person-centred. Sessions aim to give people space to be open and honest while feeling heard. Michelle blends client-centred listening with practical techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy and elements from emotion-focused and acceptance-based approaches.
She treats each person as an individual and adapts therapy to the issue at hand. That can mean building coping skills for anxiety, using reflective conversation to process grief, or planning step-by-step behaviour change for addictive patterns. Plans are agreed together and adjusted as progress is made.
Michelle has six years of experience and holds BACP accreditation, which she lists as her professional credential. She offers help in English and is available to work with international clients where that fits the situation.
Beginning therapy with Michelle involves a short questionnaire and a discussion about what the client wants to achieve. From there she helps people set realistic goals and practical steps to move forward.
Her way of working is warm and person-centred. Sessions aim to give people space to be open and honest while feeling heard. Michelle blends client-centred listening with practical techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy and elements from emotion-focused and acceptance-based approaches.
She treats each person as an individual and adapts therapy to the issue at hand. That can mean building coping skills for anxiety, using reflective conversation to process grief, or planning step-by-step behaviour change for addictive patterns. Plans are agreed together and adjusted as progress is made.
Michelle has six years of experience and holds BACP accreditation, which she lists as her professional credential. She offers help in English and is available to work with international clients where that fits the situation.
Beginning therapy with Michelle involves a short questionnaire and a discussion about what the client wants to achieve. From there she helps people set realistic goals and practical steps to move forward.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
LGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
6+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
How her approaches work in online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and focus on what matters most to them. It uses simple exercises to build willingness to try new behaviours even when feelings are difficult. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and teaches step-by-step strategies to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, or change addictive behaviours. Emotionally-Focused Therapy centres on understanding feelings in relationships and can help people improve emotional connection and process grief.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Michelle will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, and then recommend or try techniques that match those aims. The choice of method can change as needs evolve, and decisions are made collaboratively rather than imposed.
If you are considering online sessions, please confirm the exact session formats before booking so you know what is available. Many people find that online therapy makes it easier to fit appointments into busy days, reduces travel time, and lets them meet a therapist who specialises in their concern even if that person is not local. Online sessions can be adapted to focus on skill practice, short problem-solving tasks, or deeper reflective conversation depending on what the client and therapist decide to prioritise.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Michelle work with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictive behaviours, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, trauma, ADHD, and many life changes including ageing and geriatric issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is person-centred and empathetic, combining listening with practical strategies from cognitive behavioural and acceptance-based approaches.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has six years of experience working with a wide range of concerns, including trauma, OCD, ADHD and long-term health challenges.
What are her professional credentials and where is she based?
She lists BACP as her credential and practises from the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with her?
Yes, she accepts international clients where that arrangement fits the situation.
How are sessions paid for and what about cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What do I need to do to begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to her availability.