Michelle Mallam

Michelle is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Michelle works from a trauma-informed and evidence-based foundation which integrates Focused Psychological Strategies, Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gestalt, Attachment Theory, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy approaches. Michelle has extensive experience in supporting children and young people with anxiety and depression, self-esteem, bullying, neurodiversity and trauma. Michelle incorporates her social work skills to see her client’s in their life context, having a keen understanding of the multiple factors which can impact our ability to engage fully in the present.

Michelle has a passion for working in the space of complex trauma and relational wounds, with attention to how past experiences shape present-day relationships. By exploring early-life attachments, and emotional and behavioural patterns, Michelle gently guides clients to understand the ways in which unresolved past events can continue to affect present day behaviour. Michelle can support in-session work with referral to services and other supports to assist her client’s to become whole, enabling them to achieve harmony and balance in their lives and relationships.

Michelle understands the key to effective therapy lies not only in integrating a range of therapeutic skills, but also in the ability of the therapist to create a space of safety and trust, to allow vulnerable parts of the self to be seen, welcomed and validated. Michelle’s gentle, person-centred sessions are built around client needs and can incorporate meditation and mindfulness practices, supporting emotional regulation and deeper connection to self and others. Through her own lived experience and personal therapeutic work, Michelle has a deep understanding of the nature and challenge of change, the power of reclaiming the self and the joy that is possible when we experience deep connection both with ourselves and others.

As a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers and as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Michelle continually expands her knowledge and skills in providing effective therapy for children, young people and adults.

Areas of Expertise:

•  Children and adolescents

•  Young adults

•  Adults / Older Adults

•  Trauma

•  Depression / Anxiety

•  Complex PTSD

Professional Experience:

• Social Worker Outpatients, The Children’s Hospital, Westmead

• Social Worker, Inpatients, The Children’s Hospital, Westmead

• Private Practice Counselling- children, adolescents and young adults, parenting

• support

•  Senior Social Worker Inpatients, The War Memorial Hospital

•  Child Protection

•  NDIS

•  Older Peoples Mental Health

•  Focused Psychological Strategies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, Relaxation Strategies, Psychoeducation

Qualifications:

•  Bachelor of Arts

•  Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

•  Equine Assisted Psychotherapist

•  Grad Dip Counselling (current)

Additional Training: 

•  Internal Family Systems (IFS)

•  Neuromeditation For Mental Health

•  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

•  Motivational Interviewing

•  Solution Focused Therapy

•  Disaster Mental Health

Registered Provider: 

•  Medicare provider number approved

•  SIRA – Workers Compensation and Motor Vehicle Accident