MB Portrait of Michelle Bentrup

Michelle Bentrup, PACFA

Support for anxiety, stress and addictions

6 years in practice · based in Australia · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Michelle

Michelle Bentrup focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem and depression. She helps people who are coping with big life changes. Michelle writes simply and listens closely to understand what matters most to each person.

Michelle has worked across community health settings and harm reduction services. That background gives her practical experience with people in crisis and those managing substance use. She uses a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed stance and centres the person rather than the problem.

Book with Michelle Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

Her formal study includes a Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) and a Bachelor of Psychological Science, plus a Graduate Certificate in Adult and Vocational Education. She is a Clinical Member of PACFA and is completing a Master of Psychological Practice. Michelle draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques.

She adapts methods to each person, combining structured approaches with open, curious conversation. Sessions focus on real steps people can try between meetings. Sessions aim to be collaborative and paced to the individual.

Michelle emphasises honesty, non-judgement and practical problem solving. She supports people whether they are starting change, dealing with a setback, or trying to understand their feelings better.

Approaches you can use online

Michelle draws on evidence-based techniques to help with anxiety, addictions and life transitions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on values and small, committed actions to reduce avoidance and increase meaningful activity. It can be helpful for anxiety and low mood by shifting attention from always trying to control feelings to living in line with what matters.

Cognitive-based approaches help identify unhelpful thinking patterns and test them in daily life. These methods give clear, practical tools people can try between sessions to reduce worry and improve mood. Michelle also integrates narrative ideas that help people reframe difficult experiences and make sense of their story.

Finding the right approach is a shared process. Michelle will discuss options in early sessions and tailor work to goals, preferences and practical needs. She aims to collaborate on a plan you feel comfortable with and to adjust methods if something does not fit.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy lives. Video calls let you keep eye contact and visual cues, while phone sessions work when internet bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging suit short check-ins or people who prefer written communication. These formats make it easier to fit therapy around work, study and family commitments.
Book with Michelle Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Michelle help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem and depression, plus related issues such as attachment, isolation and workplace stress.
What is her therapeutic style?
Michelle works in a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented way that places the person at the centre and uses collaborative, non-judgemental conversation.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has six years of clinical experience and a longer background working in harm reduction and community health roles.
What credentials and location are listed?
Michelle is a Clinical Member of PACFA and practises in Australia.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with Michelle?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Experience
6 years
Licensed
Languages
English

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