Counselling, EMDR, Creative Therapy & Play Therapy for Adults & Children
Supporting people across Northern Ireland and the UK with trauma, anxiety, low mood, stress and relationship difficulties.
Welcome to Creative Healing
About Me
My name is Michelle Duffy, and I am an integrative counsellor and qualified social worker with over 10 years of specialist experience in supporting people with trauma, particularly with young people who have experienced sexual trauma. I have worked as a counsellor in schools and the community, supporting individuals aged 5 and over with a wide range of issues through various therapeutic approaches, including creative therapy and play therapy.
As a survivor of trauma, I understand the pain and challenges that can arise from life's darkest moments. However, I also recognise the power of healing, resilience, and finding light amid the darkness. That's why I am dedicated to providing trauma support for young people and adults as they navigate their own journeys through therapy, including EMDR therapy.
I offer a safe, empathetic space where individuals of all ages feel heard, respected, and supported.
My credentials:
MSc in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy,
BSc in Social Work
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling
Certificate in Sandplay Therapy.
EMDR Part 1 and Part 2
Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional.
Cert: Advanced Trauma Treatment
Cert: Advanced Treatment of Dissociation in Children and Adolescents
MBACP Accredited.
Therapy Tailored to You
Many people come to therapy expecting they will need to sit and talk about their difficulties. While talking can be helpful, it is not the only way to explore thoughts, feelings and experiences.
I offer a range of therapeutic approaches, including counselling, EMDR, creative therapy, sand tray work and play therapy. Together, we can find an approach that feels right for you or your child.
Whether you are experiencing trauma, anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, loss or life challenges, therapy can provide a space to explore, heal and grow.
A Flexible Approach
I believe that every person is unique. Some people prefer talking therapy, while others find creative approaches, sand tray work, play or EMDR more helpful. I aim to work collaboratively with you to find an approach that feels safe, meaningful and effective for your needs.
How Can Counselling Help?
Adults
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Trauma and PTSD
- Childhood trauma
- Sexual abuse and violence
- Stress and burnout
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Relationship difficulties
- Grief and loss
Children and Young People
- Anxiety
- Emotional regulation
- Behavioural difficulties
- Trauma
- Bereavement
- Family changes
- School difficulties
- Self-esteem
- Neurodiversity-related emotional support
About Some of the Different Approaches
Sandplay Therapy
Sand tray therapy is a creative therapeutic approach that uses a tray of sand and a collection of miniature figures, objects and symbols to help explore thoughts, feelings and experiences.
During a session, you or your child can choose and arrange items in the sand to create scenes, stories or images that reflect emotions, relationships, c
Sand tray therapy is a creative therapeutic approach that uses a tray of sand and a collection of miniature figures, objects and symbols to help explore thoughts, feelings and experiences.
During a session, you or your child can choose and arrange items in the sand to create scenes, stories or images that reflect emotions, relationships, challenges or life experiences. Sometimes this can help express things that feel difficult to put into words.
Sand tray therapy can be used with both adults and children and may be helpful for trauma, anxiety, low mood, loss, life transitions, self-esteem difficulties and emotional wellbeing. It can also support self-awareness, problem-solving and personal growth.
There is no right or wrong way to use the sand tray. Some people talk about what they create, while others prefer to explore their tray more quietly. The process is guided at a pace that feels comfortable and takes place within a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment.
Creative and Expressive Art
Sometimes it can be easier to explore thoughts and feelings through creativity rather than conversation alone. Creative activities can provide a gentle and engaging way to reflect on experiences, express emotions and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
Depending on what feels right for you, we may use drawing, painting, collage, clay,
Sometimes it can be easier to explore thoughts and feelings through creativity rather than conversation alone. Creative activities can provide a gentle and engaging way to reflect on experiences, express emotions and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
Depending on what feels right for you, we may use drawing, painting, collage, clay, journalling, cards, images, creative writing or other creative activities. For example, you might create an image to represent how you are feeling, use colours to explore emotions, create a collage about your strengths, or use cards and pictures to help start conversations and reflect on different areas of your life.
There is no expectation to be artistic, and there is no right or wrong way to take part. The focus is on the process rather than the finished product. Creative activities can help make therapy feel more natural, meaningful and engaging, while offering new ways to explore challenges, recognise strengths and support personal growth.
Creative approaches can be adapted for both adults and children and are always tailored to your individual needs, interests and goals.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized psychotherapy treatment designed to help individuals heal from the symptoms and emotional distress stemming from disturbing life experiences. Following these experiences, individuals may find that images, thoughts, and emotions linger, becoming triggers that lea
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized psychotherapy treatment designed to help individuals heal from the symptoms and emotional distress stemming from disturbing life experiences. Following these experiences, individuals may find that images, thoughts, and emotions linger, becoming triggers that lead to feelings of overwhelm or a sense of being trapped in that moment. EMDR therapy utilizes bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, vibrations, or sound, to assist the brain in processing these memories. This therapeutic approach, alongside other forms of trauma support like child counselling, creative therapy, and play therapy, facilitates the natural healing process by helping individuals recognize and integrate past events.
Free Anxiety, PTSD/Trauma coping cards
Check out my free Ptsd/Trauma toolkit and Anxiety toolkit. Free to download now:
See bottom of page in documents.