Miss Michelle Lam
Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor
Elizabeth Bay, Sydney NSW 2011
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
I believe that after food, water and shelter, the relationship we have with ourselves and others directly influences the quality of our lives. While relationships can often bring up distressing emotions such as shame, anxiety, loneliness and deep sadness and pain, they are also a source love and joy and the place where healing of past hurts can occur. My intention is to develop a relationship with you that is compassionate, respectful and honest so that you feel seen, accepted and understood.
Background
Before setting up my private practice I provided counselling and psychotherapy to clients at several low cost clinics in the inner eastern suburbs and the lower north shore of Sydney. For three years I was also an after hours volunteer counsellor for ACON (the AIDS Council of New South Wales) in Surry Hills.
I now work with individuals to help you release blocked energy and emotions, become more connected to your bodily sensations and emotional and intellectual experiences, develop a sense of groundedness and self-compassion, and improve your emotional wellbeing during the busy or difficult times in your life.
Services
My goal is to guide and support you through the challenges that you are currently facing so you can be more at ease with emotions that previously distressed or scared you, let go of self-limiting beliefs or behaviours, have more choice and make decisions with clarity and ultimately access increased energy so that you can have the relationships you want.
Since everyone is different, we will work together to discover your own answers and solutions so that you can achieve your desired outcome. Depending on your specific needs I will utilise a wide range of theories and techniques that will give you the freedom to be the real you and empower you to live a full and vibrant life with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Grad Dip Counselling and Psychotherapy - 2008 - JNI
- Master of Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy - 2014 - JNI
Modalities
Attachment Theory - Developmental - Internal Family Systems - Interpersonal - Mindfulness - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred - Psychodynamic - Somatic Psychotherapy - Systems Theory - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I adopt a holistic approach to counselling and psychotherapy as I believe the integration of the body, mind, feelings and spirit lead to personal empowerment, more satisfying relationships and a richer and fuller life experience.
I specialise in helping clients who are struggling with the legacy of trauma/wounding that has been experienced in their family and past relationships, to re-connect with themselves and others using mindfulness and body oriented therapies such as Integral Somatic Psychology.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association
Practice Locations
Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011
Bus Route 311
Kings Cross train station less than 1 km walk
Ample street parking, secure parking station less than 500 m away.
Appointments
Face to face and online sessions available on:
Monday 11am-8pm
Thursday 11am-8pm
Online sessions are also available on:
Tuesday 11am-6pm
Wednesday 11am-4pm
Fees & Insurance
Payment Options
Direct debit
Contact Michelle
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Michelle Lam
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I grew up in a family dedicated to assisting others through the provision of medical and health services to the community so it is hardly surprising that I developed a strong interest in helping others from an early age. In spite of this, I ended up working in the investment banking and finance industry specialising in mergers and acquisitions. After ten years of working in "the industry" I realised that something was missing and I wanted my life to be different.
So I took what was for me a very brave step - I started my personal therapeutic journey and asked someone for support.
Even though my journey hasn't always been easy and has sometimes been confronting and painful, I received great comfort in the knowledge that I wasn't alone. Now life is easier and less of an effort to manage (even the difficult moments), my heart is more open, my relationships are richer and more honest and I am living more of the life that I want.
The dedication that I have to my own self development and my passion for helping others led me to the field of counselling and psychotherapy. I welcome the opportunity to be your companion as you embark on your own personal journey. -
I believe that after food, water and shelter, the relationship that we have with ourselves and each other directly influences the quality of our lives. While relationships can sometimes be difficult and bring up distressing emotions such as shame, frustration, anxiety, loneliness and deep sadness and pain, relationships are also the source love and joy and the place where healing of past hurts can occur.
I take a holistic approach to counselling and psychotherapy which creates an opportunity for the integration of the whole person - thoughts, feelings, body and spirit. If we are not connected to any of these, our ability to live a full life is limited. -
I am interested in how a person's particular experiences with others, themselves and the world influence their values, beliefs and ways of being. I am passionate about assisting client's to live a more satisfying life and have more compassionate and nourishing relationships with themselves and the important people in their life
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My fully accredited qualifications provide me with training in many forms of psychotherapy and I have a particular interest in integral somatic psychology, narrative and psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness, family constellations and other body oriented therapies which I often adopt when working with clients.
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As human beings, we have an in-built desire to talk about ourselves and be well received by another person who is truly present and interested in who we are.
While all of a client's concerns may take a while to talk about, understand and manage, I believe clients feel some relief from distress within the first 1-3 sessions. -
It has allowed me to have more clarity about what is important to me as a person and how I want to live my life. By having more compassion for myself I have achieved a lovely work/life balance where I can devote my time and energy to the people and activities that touch my heart and make it sing
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I am grateful for being given the opportunity to connect with another and accompany them on a small part of their personal journey. I am constantly in awe of the strength that shines with a client's vulnerability and humbled by the trust they place in me.
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Yes I do. What helps me most is remembering to be kind and gentle to myself. This may involve practicing mindfulness, looking after myself better (such as exercising and sleeping more, healthy eating) and reaching out and connecting with people that are supportive and loving and care enough about me to accept me just the way I am and not try and judge or "fix" me or give advice.