Counselling Newmarket Brisbane

Michelle Jackson

BSWK (SYD UND) MSSc (QUT)

Michelle is very experienced and qualified and has been counselling for over 33 years. Not only does she bring a wealth of skills and knowledge she has an incredible passion and commitment to working with people whose lives have been pushed around by a broad range of mental health issues.

She has maintained a curiosity about people’s lives and a desire to collaborate to bring about change.

Michelle currently works in Newmarket Brisbane Monday to Thursday.

Counselors have the ability to see possibilities that we often struggle to see ourselves.

Michelle’s hope in meeting with people is that they will feel heard, validated, and not judged. She hopes that people will leave each conversation having had a very different sort of conversation, a conversation where people leave with a greater understanding of their issues and the context surrounding the issue, what they might be preferring for their life and how that might be possible.

Michelle has had extensive training in her career in many therapeutic approaches, but she is particularly informed by Narrative Therapy.

Michelle has spent over 30 years in Child and Adolescent Mental Health supporting young people with quite severe and complex mental health issues. She is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and was the Consultant Family Therapist for a Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Team for over 25 years. She also worked for 8 years at headspace Woolloongabba as a private practitioner.

She has had experience with quite a diverse range of presentations and issues. These include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, family and relationship issues, neurodiversity, gender and sexuality issues.

She is particularly passionate about trauma and the ongoing effects on people’s lives that leave them vulnerable to depression and anxiety.

Michelle has a particular interest and passion in working with adolescents and young people under 25 and the challenges faced by that age group. She welcomes referrals for young people in her private practice.

Michelle has also had experience in her senior roles with supervision and she continues to offer individual clinical supervision. She also has experience in team clinical supervision and is currently offering team supervision to 5 headspace centres.

Soul Space in Newmarket, Brisbane

Michelle operates out of Soul Space in Newmarket, Brisbane. This practice allows Michelle to work with all ages and complexities of mental health issues.

Do I need a referral from a GP to see Michelle Jackson?

No, a referral is not required to see Michelle, unless you want to claim a Medicare rebate.

How many sessions can I have with Medicare?

Therapy is a courageous act of self-care, allowing you to prioritise your mental and emotional well-being.

Up to 10 Medicare rebates in a calendar year, under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, if your doctor agrees. If you are on a Eating Disorder Mental Health Care Plan you can get up to 40 sessions in a 12-month period as agreed by your Doctor.

Can I claim on Private Health Insurance for my session?

Some Private Health Insurance extas coverss sessions with a psychologist or social worker. You will need to check with your provider to see if you are eligible.

There is plenty of good street parking around Soul Space on both Parker Street and Foster Street.

Does Michelle Jackson offer Bulk Billing?

No. Michelle is a small private practice and she does not offer bulk billing. As mentioned above, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate on a Mental Health Care Treatment Plan.

Does Michelle Jackson offer Telehealth?

Yes. Michelle uses Zoom for the video telehealth sessions. If you choose Telehealth appointments, you will be a URL link prior to your appointment to join. She also offers phone appointments.

Do you have onsite parking?

What will happen in my first session?

Michelle will spend some time getting to know you and the issues that brought you into counselling. She will ask questions about your presenting concerns, as well as your history and background. Most likely, you’ll find yourself talking about your current struggles, as well as saying a bit about your relationships, your interests, your strengths, and your goals. Most importantly in that first session, you will begin making a connection with Michelle. You should feel safe, accepted, respected, heard and comfortable.

Does Michelle work with children and adolescents?

Yes. Michelle very much enjoys working with young people above the age of 10 years. She has had a lot of experience with children and adolescents in her career. She also works collaboratively with parents who also need help with how to support thier young family member.

Does Michelle work with Eating Disorders

Does Michelle work with adults who want to deal with chilhood trauma?

Does Michelle do Family Therapy?

ANZAED Credentialed Eating Disorder Practitioner

Michelle has expertise and interest in the area of Eating Disorders. She is an ANZAED Credentialed Eating Disorder Practitioner. She is very passionate about supporting people who have this problem operating in their lives and their families.

She works collaboratively with GP’s, Psychiatrists and Dieticians who are often part of the treatment team.

Kind Words

Michelle has been an incredible source of support and guidance for me over the past few years. Her kindness, patience, and empathy create a safe and non-judgmental space for exploration and growth. I've seen significant progress in my mental well-being since starting therapy with her, and I've developed greater confidence and self-awareness. One of the things I appreciate most about her approach is her ability to ask thought-provoking questions that challenge me to think critically and find my own solutions. Her strengths-based approach empowers me to tap into my own strengths and resilience. I'm grateful for the positive impact she's had on my life, and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a supportive and effective therapist.

I've been seeing Michelle for the better part of 7years. I first met her as a young adult at headspace and then followed her to private practice as I aged out. Michelle has helped me through many crises, always helping to put a pause on the situation and to gain a different perspective. I always leave a session feeling more level headed, lighter and with a fresh point of view. It's not that she tells you what to think but ask the right questions so you can come to your own conclusions. She has supported me through an array of situations including, Family and Marital issues, IVF and Pregnancy Loss. Michelle is very easy to talk too and goes out of her way to make you feel comfortable. I have learnt many skills to cope and use a lot of them daily. I would and have highly recommend/ed Michelle to anyone who needs some extra support or perspective in their life!

My name is Ej, and I am a non-binary, neurodivergent, Filipino person, 27 years old, who wants the best for myself. Michelle has been so supportive of me over the last five years of my life. She has never been judgmental and has always wanted the best for me while also meeting me where I am in my life. She is incredibly compassionate about the many things I've felt deep shame and trauma around. There's an idea out there that therapists are robotic and not genuine in their work, which may be true in some cases. But over the past five years, Michelle has shown me that she is 100% genuine and present with me. She truly cares about me, and I am so grateful for it. Honestly, I don't know how she does it! When you're ready to begin the work of self-actualization, give Michelle a ring.

I began working with Michelle several years ago, initially intensively and now I occasionally book in for top-up sessions when I hit a bump in the road. Michelle has an engaging approach and very practical outlook. I really appreciate her willingness to give me suggested actions we have discussed to do between sessions. She has helped me understand that there are many more options to how relationships, job, family and wellbeing can work. She is particularly good with helping me to assert myself and grow my confidence particularly at this tricky stage of life.

Michelle has helped me so much! I first started seeing Michelle 3 years ago. I was post-partum with my second child, and I was a basically an overwhelmed anxious mess. Michelle’s kind, empathic and light personality made me feel like I could share anything with her. She has given me invaluable tools and strategies to cope with parenting, feelings of anxiety and overwhelm, and continues to help me build self-confidence so I know that I can do it. I feel so grateful that I have Michelle in my support corner.

During an extremely difficult time in my life, I had monthly sessions with Michelle over a two year period. Michelle's approach is very open and non-judgemental. I felt safe at all times in expressing what was troubling me and in sharing success. Michelle helped me in the areas of eating disorder recovery and addressing questions around sexual orientation. She had loads of empathy and practical strategies. At the end of each session Michelle gave me a written summary of main points we covered. I relied on this document between sessions to reinforce the path forward. I strongly recommend Michelle to you as a counsellor who is truly helpful to her clients.

Michelle has provided me with a comfortable and safe environment to open up and discuss challenging relationships and situations I face with my mental health. She has supported and helped me to manage life's complexity, and I walk away feeling uplifted and more confident every time we meet. With her experience, kind attitude and peaceful space, she has made me feel understood and validated.

I worked with Michelle for two separate periods of therapy following a significant life change, when I was struggling to recover on my own and with my usual supports. I connected with Michelle immediately and felt comfortable sharing my experiences from the first session. Michelle used a variety of skills and techniques to tailor our sessions, and my experience is that she could relate to a broad range of people. She was non-judgemental, kind, used a good amount of humour and was very skilled at re-framing my thinking and views on my experiences in order to achieve deep reflection and ultimately, some profound positive changes in my life. My mental health improved through seeing Michelle and I regained my self-worth. I won't hesitate to see Michelle if I ever need therapy again and couldn't recommend her more highly.

After finding myself at crossroads with my professional and private life and not able to get back to my old self, I knew I needed help. This is when I met Michelle who helped alleviate any apprehension I had from our very first meeting. She has helped me comfort the parts where I was stuck and redirect my thoughts back to the real me that was somewhere underneath all the pain. Session by session I knew I’d found my person, I am now a much better version of myself from having a soft place for me to land and be heard, helping me to release the anxiety and fear that had begun to consume me with a focus on my personal goals and I am now on a path to living an amazing life in a positive and healthy way. I highly recommend Michelle if you are struggling, need healing and need progress towards your full potential.