Michelle Cook Michelle has been a pastoral counsellor since completion of her training in 2001 and was registered with the CCAA. Following a pause to devote time and energy to her family, Michelle completed her Bachelor of Theology and became Pastor of Prayer & Care at Bendigo Baptist Church in 2013 and continues in this role today. In 2021 Michelle completed her Grad Dip in Counselling & Psychotherapy and registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Supporting clients to reach their goals of therapy, Michelle works from a person-centred framework and utilises a range of modalities and/or their tools including: • CBT • Narrative • Art • Acceptance & Commitment therapy • Sex therapy • Solution Focused therapy • Play therapies. With her friendly and empathetic demeaner, Michelle listens well to a wide range of clientele from teens through to those advanced in years and from a variety of backgrounds. Michelle has worked with clients from various cultural and spiritual/faith traditions and enjoys facilitating groups in therapy. Michelle utilises psycho education to assist a client to understand their situation as part of moving forward, empowering them to deepen their self-awareness and self-acceptance towards growth and achieving their goals.

Mariel has post-graduate training and experience, specialising in working with families and couples. She supports children, adolescents, families and couples to increase harmony, effective communication and fulfilment within these relationships.

Smitha is an authentic and compassionate Accredited Mental Health Social Worker providing counselling services. Her passion and interest are in Complex Trauma and Grief. She engages with client presenting with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, grief and loss, relationship challenges, workplace issues, life transitions, mild to moderate personality disorder with borderline pattern, alcohol and other drug dependence. Smitha aims to bring values of honesty, authenticity, compassion and safe therapeutic relationship to the counselling space. She is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Mentalisation Based Therapy, as well as Complex Trauma Treatment. She is dedicated to professional development and supervision.