Body & Mind MatterCounselling and Holistic Therapies in Bournemouth

About Me

My name is Michelle Carpenter. I am a fully qualified humanistic/integrative counsellor working from my own private practice in Bournemouth and within easy reach of Poole and Christchurch in Dorset. I am a member of the National Counselling Society.

Before working as a Counsellor, I spent 15 years working in Dorset for the emergency services. Within this setting I gained a Level 3 BTEC in TRIM (Trauma Risk Incident Management). This enabled me to assess and support work colleagues who had been exposed to incidents involving stress and trauma. I have experience of working with people who are vulnerable, isolated, and are affected by common mental health problems. I have worked closely with people affected by drug and alcohol abuse and longer-term issues such as homelessness and criminality.

I have the experience to truly listen and understand a person who may be in crisis or who may be showing signs of vulnerability and the need for support. My previous role working in front-line services always required a calm response in a moment of crisis. When I was working with people and situations in uncertain circumstances it highlighted the importance of remaining non-judgemental about any problem or situation.

Throughout my career, I have gained invaluable experience in differences and diversity with people, lifestyles, and behaviours. Understanding a person’s thoughts and behaviours are more than just what can be seen from the outside. As a trained counsellor, I can offer my clients the understanding they may feel they have never had.

As a Crisis Support Worker at the Shores (SARC - Sexual Assault Referral Centre), my role was to look after clients reported sexual assault or rape. I worked alongside clients during their time at the SARC including assessment, examination, and referral process.

I have also worked with young people and adults in partnership with the Prince’s Trust. As a development coach, I have worked alongside a group of young people aged 16-25. Each member of the group presented with a variety of issues including behavioural, mental, and emotional challenges. This work really emphasised the importance of developing strong working relationships with people based on honesty, trust and non-judgement.

My passion for working with people and understanding different types of behaviour/mental illness drew me towards studying for my counselling diploma. I am now able to work 1:1 with clients in private practice enabling clients to work to their own agenda with a practitioner they can trust and connect with.

In addition to working from my own private practice as a counsellor, I also work as a Community Pilates Teacher. I do not tell clients what to do by instructing them in a set way. I teach with passion and promote clients to gain an understanding of their bodies. I provide regressions and progressions so that classes can be inclusive to all. As human beings we are all unique and one size does not fit all. My teaching methods are relatable, empathetic, and enjoyable.

The importance of staying fit and well to live the fullest life had always been a very important part of my daily routine. After finding my passion in running I joined a local running club. This inspired me in many ways, and I entered a local marathon. I very quickly connected my running to a complete mind and body experience and realised the essential part it played in motivation, confidence, and positive thinking.

I decided I wanted to share that passion for health and fitness with others and decided to qualify as a fitness instructor. Meeting people of all ages and abilities in a fitness environment is truly rewarding and I have the pleasure of doing it every day.

Recognising a person’s true potential and supporting that progression is invaluable.

I love running, swimming, and walking my dogs and I have found a fundamental part of staying injury free has been Pilates. If you would like a Pilates Teacher who understands your uniqueness and can help you work towards a new you, please get in touch with me for an introductory session.