Michelle Turnbull – Relationship & Trauma Counsellor
Michelle Turnbull is a warm, authentic and highly experienced counsellor who offers a safe, supportive space for people navigating challenges in their lives and relationships. She works with individuals and couples facing difficult transitions, conflict, trauma, or disconnection, as well as those who simply want life and relationships to feel more fulfilling, connected and meaningful.
Michelle’s approach is compassionate, practical and deeply respectful of each person’s story. She supports clients to understand patterns, strengthen relationships, and create real, lasting change.
Michelle holds a Postgraduate Qualification in Gestalt Therapy and a Bachelor of Social Science with majors in Counselling and Mediation and Human Relations and Communication. She has undertaken extensive advanced training throughout her career, including:
- Level 3 Gottman Institute Relationship Therapy
- Affairs Recovery Specialist Training
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (Attachment-based therapy)
- Clinical Resource Therapy
- EMDR Therapist
- Midwifing Death Program
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
With over 20 years of professional training, teaching, and clinical practice, Michelle brings depth, insight and practical tools to the work she does with clients.
Michelle is a Clinical Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Association of Australia (PACFA) – Registration No. 30496.
Before moving fully into private practice, Michelle spent 15 years working in Non-Government Organisations, developing and delivering programs supporting teenage parents, new families, Aboriginal communities, and people from LGBTQIA+ and diverse cultural backgrounds. Her work is grounded in a strong social justice framework, guided by the values of empathy, respect and compassion.
Alongside her counselling work, Michelle has been a TAFE teacher for over 20 years, educating students in Counselling, Community Services, and Mental Health. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of practitioners and believes deeply in the power of education to change lives.
Michelle is a neurodiversity-affirming therapist and LGBTQIA+ ally, committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful space for all people. She welcomes clients from all identities, cultures and backgrounds.
Michelle acknowledges that her Newcastle practice is located on the traditional lands of the Awabakal people and pays respect to Elders past and present, as well as to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who access her service.
Outside of her professional life, Michelle is also a proud mother of four adult children.
Testimonials
“Michelle is the most wonderful Counsellor I’ve ever had. I’ve seen many before Michelle that I haven’t connected with even after weeks of appointments. Michelle’s warmth wrapped me up during our first session and helped get me through a really hard time. I look forward to seeing Michelle before every appointment and always walk away feeling stronger, more confident and clearer with my intentions ❤️”
“Honesty, warmth, caring, a commitment to self development and a genuine interest in helping others improve – Michelle Turnbull is a shining example of what great counselling looks like!”
“Lovely, empathetic person who listens and has the patience of a saint. Highly recommended” Debbie from Waratah
“Thankyou so very much for seeing Caitlin a couple of weeks ago. We have seen our beautiful, strong, confident girl again. Thankyou.”
“Michelle’s resilience, strength of character, ethical practice and genuine regard for others ensured she developed strong relationships with a broad cross section of clients, colleagues and Community & Government agencies. Her work always reflected a deep humility and humanity, and a clearly articulated set of values which has continued to inform her life path. I commend Michelle’s ongoing and diverse professional development and her previous outstanding contribution to the field of family counselling and support. I wish her well in her future endeavours and have every confidence that she will continue to make a difference in her life and work.” Carolyn Jones – Social Worker
