Michelle Turnbull is an authentic, genuine and compassionate Counsellor who believes strongly in offering a supportive and nurturing space for people who are experiencing significant challenges in their lives, or who would just like life to feel different to the way it currently does.
Michelle holds a Post Grad in Gestalt Therapy, Bachelor of Social Science (majoring in Counselling and Mediation and Human Relations and Communication), Associate Diploma in Social Science (Youth Work), Statement of Attainment in Child Protection, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Level 2 Gottman Institute Relationship therapy, Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Michelle has also completed a twelve month Midwifing death program.
Michelle has done over 20 years of ongoing training and teaching in trauma and healing work. Michelle is a member of the Australian Counselling Association.
Michelle has worked for 15 years in Non-Government Organisations creating programs for teenage parents, new parents, Aboriginal families and people from many diverse backgrounds. She works from a strong social justice framework and works from values of trust/empathy/compassion as the powerful healing aspects of human relationships.
Michelle is currently a teacher at TAFE where she has worked for the past 20 years in Community Services. She teaches Certificate IV and Diploma students in Community Services/Mental Health. She teaches students the skills and values needed to support people in times of need. She is very passionate about the role education has in changing and supporting people’s lives and future goals.
Michelle has also spent many years public speaking at conferences around the world on the issues facing families living with a genetic neurological disease, Huntingtons Disease. She has been a huge advocate for young carers and people facing the complex challenges of living with an incurable illness. Michelle has been actively involved in creating resources, supports, connections for those facing this terminal illness. Michelle has spoken at conferences in Barcelona, Sweden, Minnesota, New Zealand, and many states within Australia to raise awareness and supports for families in need.
Michelle welcomes all people to her service. This is a culturally safe, respectful service which supports people from all diverse backgrounds and cultures. Michelle acknowledges that her service in Newcastle is being held on the traditional lands of the Awabakal people and pays her respects to elders past and present and any Aboriginal people who may access her service. Michelle is very passionate about Australia’s Aboriginal culture and actively supports/respects this culture in both her work and personal life. Michelle was recently invited to visit Arnhem land where she was welcomed and given a skin name Ngarritjan, which was an honour.
Alongside Michelle’s many work ventures she is also a solo mum of 4 young people who are 27, 22, 20 and 18
She is passionate about the healing qualities of human connection, mindfulness/meditation, nature, music, dance, yoga, body movement and writing.
Testimonials
“Michelle is the most wonderful Counsellor I’ve ever had. I’ve seen many before Michelle that I haven’t connected with even after weeks of appointments. Michelle’s warmth wrapped me up during our first session and helped get me through a really hard time. I look forward to seeing Michelle before every appointment and always walk away feeling stronger, more confident and clearer with my intentions ❤️”
“Honesty, warmth, caring, a commitment to self development and a genuine interest in helping others improve – Michelle Turnbull is a shining example of what great counselling looks like!”
“Lovely, empathetic person who listens and has the patience of a saint. Highly recommended” Debbie from Waratah
“Thankyou so very much for seeing Caitlin a couple of weeks ago. We have seen our beautiful, strong, confident girl again. Thankyou.”
“Michelle’s resilience, strength of character, ethical practice and genuine regard for others ensured she developed strong relationships with a broad cross section of clients, colleagues and Community & Government agencies. Her work always reflected a deep humility and humanity, and a clearly articulated set of values which has continued to inform her life path. I commend Michelle’s ongoing and diverse professional development and her previous outstanding contribution to the field of family counselling and support. I wish her well in her future endeavours and have every confidence that she will continue to make a difference in her life and work.” Carolyn Jones – Social Worker
