Your Questions, Answered

I offer EMDR and CBT, two evidence-based therapies that can be helpful for a range of emotional difficulties, including trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, low mood, stress, and self-esteem difficulties. I also integrate my practice with techniques and theory from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Aacceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), and mindfulness-based practice where these fit with your needs and goals, so that therapy feels personalised and responsive to you.

This will depend on what you are seeking support for, your personal preferences, and your therapy goals. Some people come knowing exactly what they want, whilst others are unsure. We can think this through together in an initial consultation and decide what feels like the best fit.

I currently offer both online and face-to-face sessions. Online sessions are held on a secure platform, and face-to-face sessions take place in private practice clinical rooms in Plymouth, close to the city centre. Together, we can think about which option feels the best fit for you, depending on your preferences and availability.

You can get in touch via the contact form on this website or by email. I will then come back to you about availability and next steps.

If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment, please let me know at least 48 hours in advance. You can email me at hello@drmichellewells.co.uk to cancel or rearrange your session. This allows the appointment time to be offered to someone else. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice are charged at the full fee.

Appointments are paid for in advance by bank transfer. An invoice will be sent when your session is booked, and payment is due at least 48 hours before your appointment. As appointment times are held especially for you, sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will still be charged at the full fee.

This varies from person to person. Some people come for shorter-term focused work, whilst others benefit from longer-term therapy. We can discuss this together at the outset and review it as therapy progresses.

The first session is usually an assessment session. This is a chance for us to think together about what has brought you to therapy, what you would like help with, and whether the approach feels right for you. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions.

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people come because they are struggling and want support in understanding and working through what is going on.

Yes, therapy is confidential. There are some limits to confidentiality, such as if there are serious concerns about your safety or the safety of someone else, or where there is a legal obligation to share information. I will always aim to discuss this with you wherever possible.

At present, I do not accept insurance-funded referrals.

I work with adults and adolescents.

Therapy sessions are usually one-to-one, as this helps provide a private and confidential space for you to talk openly. In some circumstances, it may be helpful for a partner, parent, or another important person to join part of a session, where this feels supportive and is agreed in advance. This is something we can discuss together depending on your needs and what would be most helpful for your therapy.

That is completely understandable. Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You are welcome to get in touch with any questions before deciding whether you would like to book an initial appointment.

You are free to change your mind about starting therapy at any point. Therapy should feel like the right fit for you, and it is understandable to need time to think things through. If you decide not to go ahead, or would like to pause therapy, you are welcome to let me know. We can also use a session to talk this through together if that feels helpful.

This practice is not a crisis service. If you are worried that your mental health is reaching crisis point, please contact the First Response Service by calling NHS 111 and selecting the Mental Health option. If your situation is an emergency or life-threatening, please call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department. During working hours, you can also contact your GP for support with non-emergency concerns.

If you would find it helpful to speak to someone sooner, you may also wish to contact Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258 for immediate emotional support