michele rich, registered pyschotherapist.
Since 1993 Michele has worked in the South Georgian Bay area as an agent of change for our environment and social issues. She has enjoyed working directly with people who are major decision makers, retirees, youth, and students.
In studying the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development Michele clearly saw how each individual has the key to a sustainable future. Most profound is the fact that people cannot care about their environment unless their basic needs are met. Basic needs include: Protection, Affection, Understanding, Participation, Freedom, Creativity, Leisure, Identity, Subsistence, and of course, Transcendence.
Michele has created and worked with various projects including: Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Girlfriends, The Crew, Youth-At-Risk projects and taught Outdoor Education at Pretty River Academy for four years. Michele is currently working with The Collingwood Youth Centre and their Head Strong Program, providing youth with access to psychotherapy.
Michele has witnessed how adults, youth and children are often unable to meet their basic needs as a result of their personal stories. Understanding this, she made the decision to go back to school to study psychotherapy at The Transformational Arts College. Michele has been practicing psychotherapy since 2014.
Michele is a former member of the faculty at Georgian College teaching in the Social Services Worker program and of course, Environmental Concerns. In addition, she continues to volunteer with The Environment Network, a local non-profit organization. In 2018, Michele completed yoga teacher training so that she can incorporate the art of yoga into her practice. Michele dedicates her time and energy to all of these endeavours because she believes, deep in her heart, that this is the way to heal the world.
Her goal is to empower individuals by helping them to understand their issues, how they are affected by them and to work with them to heal their pasts, have their basic needs met and guide them into a healthy, joyful life.
frequently asked questions
What is psychotherapy?
Our society is becoming more and more familiar with the various mental illnesses that can be diagnosed by psychiatrists, psychologists or other medical professionals. Psychotherapy does not diagnose mental illness, rather, psychotherapy is about mental health. It is a process. It is beneficial for everyone, especially individuals who are experiencing mental, emotional, physical and spiritual challenges. Examples may include grief or loss, a pattern of unhealthy relationships, current or past trauma, or just an overall sense of being overwhelmed.
Psychotherapy is an essential part of establishing and maintaining a healthy, vibrant, joyful life.
Cancellation Policy?
Just like any other professional courtesy, 24 hour notice of cancellation is required. In the event that 24 hours of notice is not given you will be responsible for the cost of the full session. This courtesy will be returned. Of course, extenuating circumstances will be considered.
What do you do?
Psychotherapists work with people as guides on the journey inward. We spend so much of our time on the external part of ourselves and so little time on the internal, most precious parts. This can at times be frightening to think about, some may be very disconnected from their inner selves, so this is why a ‘guide’ is needed.
A therapist will help to make a person feel safe and will push to expand the individual when the time is right. This can be done using a variety of techniques including casual conversation, deep emotional work, games, creative play or a host of other approaches. No matter what the technique, results are often truly magical.
Psychotherapists can definitely work with people who have received a diagnoses of mental illnesses. In this case we can help individuals to cope with their illness so that they are able to achieve a fulfilling life.
Are you covered by Health Insurance?
Psychotherapy services are not covered under provincial health care. Some private health care insurers will cover psychotherapy or counselling service so, check with your provider.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions are 1 hour in length. Although, the very first session can take up to 2 hours to collect all necessary information.
.5, 1.5 and 2 hour sessions are available upon request.
What form of payment is accepted?
E-transfer.
How often should I come?
It is often suggested that a weekly session is beneficial until you feel better. The goal is to give you the tools to support yourself. As time goes on you will get to a point where you know when and how often you need to visit.
How many sessions will it take?
This is a tricky question, and the answer is different for everyone. Some people need extensive support for many years, while others only need/want a few sessions. You are in charge of your own healing. Therapy is most successful when an individual is willing to work on themselves not just in session but on a daily basis.