What is Psychotherapy?
“Can you remember who you were, before the world told you who you should be?” Charles Bukowski.
In a nutshell, psychotherapy helps us to look at what is unresolved within us. Therapy helps us grow in self-awareness and understanding. We can decide whether old patterns of behaving are still useful to us in the present day.
It can help us to start knowing ourselves and becoming more authentically ourselves. This can help bring a feeling of peace.
Welcome
Think therapy is all about sitting in silence, nodding politely, and nodding more? Think again.
We’re going to skip the jargon-laden psychobabble and meet in the real, messy middle of life. The kind of moments where your brain spins out over the smallest thing, and your heart just can't make sense of it. Anxiety, overthinking, the dips of depression — whatever’s hijacking your day — I’m here to help you unlock the door and find your own kind of freedom.
Talking helps.
Sessions and Fees
When you first get in touch, we’ll set up a free introductory call — phone or video, whatever works for you. It’s our chance to say hello, see if we click, and for you to ask any questions. If we’re both happy to go ahead, we’ll book your first session.
We can meet in person at my therapy room in The Kensey Centre, Launceston (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) or online on other weekdays or evenings — ideal if you’re further away or juggling a busy schedule.
Before we meet, I’ll send you my Client Agreement so you know exactly what to expect. In our first session, we’ll go through it together and I’ll ask a few questions to learn more about you and what’s been going on.
How long we work together is entirely up to you — some people come for a few weeks, others longer. We’ll check in regularly to make sure you’re getting the support you need.
Sessions last 50 minutes and cost £55 for individuals, £75 for couples.
Services
Relationships
Let’s be real: relationships get messy. It could be trust issues, jealousy, emotional imbalance, money stress, or even coercive control—whatever it is, it hurts. Here, you get a guilt-free zone to say what you actually feel, get curious about why you feel it, and maybe figure out what’s next. No judgment. Just honest unpacking. Talking Helps
Domestic Abuse
If you’re currently in an abusive situation—or healing from past trauma—you deserve a place that feels like safety. We’ll talk, cry, swear if you want, and start reclaiming your life at your pace. Your story matters. You matter...
Talking Helps
Anxiety
Anxiety often isn’t just buzzing stress—it’s an entire soundtrack of “what ifs” and “not good enoughs.” Here, let's hit pause together. We’ll look at what’s fueling the fear, find ways to breathe through it, and maybe even shift perspective—so the noise starts feeling less deafening.
Talking Helps
Workplace
Work shouldn’t feel like emotional quicksand—but sometimes it does. Maybe the pressure is too loud, the boss is too quiet, or home stress bleeds in. Whatever’s tripping you up, here’s your space to sort it out, reclaim boundaries, and find some clarity—without your workplace sneaking into your brain after-hours.
Talking Helps
My Experience, Qualifications and Training
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent years working in business — and saw up close how many people were quietly struggling with their mental health at work.
Eventually, I decided it wasn’t enough to just notice it; I wanted to actually do something about it. So, I retrained as a counsellor and never looked back.
After qualifying, I set up my private practice here in Launceston, Cornwall, and also began working with (and volunteering for) a Plymouth-based Community Interest Company. Between both roles, I’ve supported adults facing all sorts of challenges — from domestic abuse to anxiety and depression to relationship struggles. Often, these are tangled up with recent or long-ago trauma that’s still casting a shadow.
I’m also trained to work online, so if you’re further afield — or just want therapy that fits neatly around your week — we can still make it happen.
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Certificate in Counselling
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Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling
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Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
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Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
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Grief and Bereavement
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Domestic Abuse
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Attachment
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Certificate in working Therapeutically with Couples
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Eating Disorder Awareness Diploma
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Get in Touch
If you are an adult over 18 and would like to get in touch for an exploratory conversation and to make an appointment, I will respond to your call, text or email within one working day.
By phone or text on 07568 437723
By email on michaela@michaelapaincounselling.co.uk
I look forward to hearing from you.
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About Me
I'm a counsellor, but, more accurately, I'm a down-to-earth human who’s also studied far too much about feelings! Like you I’ve been in situations where your brain spins so fast it could launch satellites, where the weight of anxiety or grief hits like a ton of bricks, or where life suddenly feels, well… not okay.
My style is pretty-straight forward. I don’t get caught up in therapy jargon. I don’t use big words or try and blind you with science or theory. I listen carefully and ask questions because I want to better understand what’s happening for you and, together, find a way through it.
My wide-ranging life experience means I can offer empathy and compassion for your life experiences. Sometimes I may gently challenge you. I will always support and encourage you. I will never judge you. I will always respect your courage for coming to counselling.
