Michelle Foulds

Psychologist, woman, daughter, wife and mother

I am a Counselling Psychologist in Somerset West with a Master’s Degree in Psychology. I am registered locally with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and abroad with the Health & Care Professions Council (UK). I have been in private practice in Somerset West for over 19 years.  I consult with adolescents, adults, and children from around age 10 onwards.

I care deeply about mental health, and aim to create a space where people feel heard and understood.  A space where you can begin to make sense of your experiences and the meanings they hold. I see therapy as a collaborative process—one where we work together to explore your experiences, notice patterns, and find ways forward that fit with your values, preferences, and context.

Who I work with

My work focuses primarily on teenagers, young adults, and adults, as well as supporting parents and families. I often work with experiences such as:

  • anxiety
  • low mood
  • overwhelm
  • challenges related to neurodiversity (including ADHD and different ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world)
  • parenting and postnatal mental health
  • navigating ongoing personal or relational challenges

I also support individuals who are transitioning from hospital or clinic care back into everyday life.

In addition, you can read more about the different areas I work with in the Therapy section of this website.

Therapeutic Approach

My work draws largely on Narrative Therapy and postmodern ideas. This approach creates space to explore difficulties in ways that highlight your strengths, values, and existing resources, rather than focusing only on what is wrong.

Often, this opens up new ways of understanding your experiences. As a result it can create more choice in how you respond to them.

I am mindful how the contexts we live in—our relationships, culture, and life experiences—shape our experiences. Because of this, these are always part of the conversation.

My approach is influenced around what you bring, working with you to find what feels most helpful and fitting.

Training and Qualifications

I hold training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and I draw on these approaches where helpful.

In addition, I am a registered practitioner of BrainWorking Recursive Therapy® (BWRT®), with both Level 1 and Level 2 training through the Terence Watts BWRT Institute.  BWRT® is a practical, neuroscience-informed approach that can be helpful if you prefer not to go into detail about difficult experiences, focusing instead on how you feel and how you would like to feel.

I continue to develop my work through ongoing learning with both local and international practitioners. This is not only a requirement, but also something I value deeply.

Beyond the Therapy Room

Alongside my private practice, I am involved in work with schools, special educational needs centres, and community clinics.

Through this work, I continue to deepen how I understand the different contexts people are part of. In particular, it highlights the influence of family, school, and community on people’s experiences.

I value the role that creativity, language, and different forms of expression can play in helping people make sense of their experiences, and I often bring this into my work—particularly with adolescents.

Ideas I’ve Found Helpful

Through my experiences, both in and outside of the therapy room, I’ve come to appreciate a few ideas I’ve found helpful. Some of these include:

  • What matters is finding what works for you in your context—what feels supportive and sustainable may look different from person to person.
  • Each person is different, and there is no single “right” way to navigate life, relationships, or personal challenges.
  • We are not perfect, and we will get things wrong at times. Growth often comes through reflecting on these moments, rather than trying to avoid them altogether.
  • Genuine interest, attention, and care can go a long way in strengthening relationships—with others and with ourselves.
  • Focused, meaningful attention is one of the most valuable things we can offer—whether to ourselves, to others, or to what matters most to us.
  • At times, extra support can be helpful. Reaching out is not a sign of failure, but a way of resourcing yourself.

If you’re considering therapy, you’re welcome to explore the site further or get in touch to see whether this feels like a good fit for you.