
Michelle Saunders
Registered Member MÍø±¬ÃÅ
Contact information
- Phone number
- 07305686103
Therapist - Southend-On-Sea
Features
- Flexible hours available
Availability
Now Accepting New Clients – Flexible Daytime & Evening Sessions Available
Life doesn't always run on a 9-to-5 schedule, and therapy shouldn't have to either. I currently have limited availability for new clients and offer appointments throughout the day and into the evening to help fit around work, family, and other commitments. While I don’t offer weekend sessions, I do provide a range of times during the week to help make counselling accessible and manageable—without adding extra pressure to your already full plate.
Sessions are available in person, online (via a secure video platform), or by phone, depending on your needs and preferences. Some clients value the privacy and familiarity of remote sessions; others prefer the grounding presence of face-to-face work. There’s no one-size-fits-all—I’m happy to work with whatever suits you best.
Whether you're navigating a specific challenge or just feeling a bit lost and unsure where to begin, I offer a calm, confidential space where you can talk openly and feel supported.
If you’re considering starting therapy or returning after a break, feel free to get in touch to ask any questions or discuss what you’re looking for. There's no pressure or obligation—we can have a brief initial chat to see if I’m the right fit for you.
About me and my therapy practice
We all carry stories – about who we are, how others see us, and what we’re supposed to cope with. Therapy offers a space to step back from those expectations and really be listened to, without pressure to explain or justify yourself. My approach is warm, grounded and collaborative. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you come. Whether you’re struggling with low mood, anxiety, a loss that’s hit you hard, or relationship difficulties, I’ll work with you at your pace to explore what’s happening and what you need.
I also bring experience in areas where life can feel particularly isolating — including living with long-term conditions like type 1 diabetes, infertility (including the IVF process), pregnancy and infant loss, and navigating life before or after bariatric surgery. These issues often come with strong emotions, social and cultural pressures, and complicated relationships with our bodies or identities — all of which are welcome in the room.
Alongside these specialisms, I regularly work with men who are finding it difficult to open up, people adjusting to life transitions, and those who feel stuck or overwhelmed by stress.
I offer both short- and longer-term therapy. My priority is that you feel safe, respected, and understood – not rushed or judged. From there, we can begin to make sense of things and create change.
Practice description
I work from a welcoming, discreet space in Southend-on-Sea, a short walk from public transport and with parking nearby. I offer face-to-face and online therapy, depending on your needs and preferences. I’ve supported clients from a wide range of backgrounds, and I aim to be inclusive and thoughtful about the impact of gender, culture, sexuality, health, disability, and family expectations on your experience.
In our work together, I’ll help you slow things down and listen to what your thoughts and emotions are really trying to tell you — even the ones that seem messy, irrational, or inconvenient. Sometimes we need to sit with things that are painful or confusing; other times we can be more solution-focused and look at practical steps forward. Either way, I’ll be with you — encouraging reflection, offering insight, and helping you connect more kindly with yourself.
I have additional training in working with:
People undergoing fertility treatment or facing infertility (BICA)
Baby loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death (FIL)
Bariatric clients before and after surgery (Centre for Bariatric Support)
Those managing chronic health conditions, including type 1 diabetes (Lived experience)
I’m also experienced in helping with anxiety, stress, depression, relationship concerns, bereavement, self-esteem, anger, and life changes.
My first session
Starting therapy can feel daunting – even if you’ve had counselling before. In our first session, I’ll explain how I work and give you the chance to tell me what’s bringing you to therapy. You don’t need to rehearse or prepare anything. There’s no pressure to share everything all at once – we’ll take things at your pace.
I’ll ask some questions to understand what’s been going on for you and what you hope to get from our work together. It’s a chance for us both to get a feel for whether we’re a good fit. Some people find it helpful just to be heard for the first time in a long while; others want to know how therapy might help them manage things day-to-day. Either is absolutely fine.
If we decide to continue, we can talk about frequency (weekly is most common) and whether you'd prefer to work online or in person. Sessions are 50 minutes long and take place at the same time each week where possible.
I welcome any questions you have – about the therapy process, my experience, or what to expect. My aim is that you leave the first session with a sense of how we might work together and whether it feels like the right support for you.
What I can help with
Abuse, Addictions, Anger management, Anxiety, Bereavement, Child related issues, Depression, Disability, Health related issues, Identity issues, Infertility, Loss, Menopause, Men's issues, Pregnancy related issues, Redundancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Sexuality, Stress, Substance Dependency, Women's issues, Work related issues
Types of therapy
CBT, Humanistic, Integrative, Neuro linguistic programming, Person centred
Clients I work with
Adults, Older adults, Young people
How I deliver therapy
Email therapy, Long term sessions, Long-term face-to-face work, Online therapy, Outdoor therapy, Short term sessions, Short-term face-to-face work, Telephone therapy, Text therapy, Time-limited