Counsellor profile
Michael Anderson, PACFA
Based in Australia · 4 years of experience
Counsellor for addictions and mood concerns
Continue with MichaelAt a glance
- Registration
- PACFA, Australia (25995)
- Qualifications
- PACFA
- Experience
- 4 years
- Languages
- English
- Based in
- Australia
Details come from information Michael supplied to BetterHelp.
- Addictions work
- Motivational interviewing
- Solution-focused
About Michael
PACFA. 4 years' experience. Michael Anderson works with addictions, grief, low self-esteem, depression and coping with life changes, among other concerns. He uses client-centred approaches, motivational interviewing and solution-focused work to help people consider change and practical outcomes.
Michael trained and practised as a psycho-social recovery counsellor and spent time as a mental health support worker. That background shaped his focus on practical steps and readiness for change. He aims to help people who are dealing with ongoing mental health challenges and life disruptions.
Sessions focus on what the person wants to achieve. Michael uses motivational interviewing to explore readiness for change and to help people move towards goals. He draws on client-centred methods to listen and reflect, and solution-focused techniques to identify small, workable steps.
People bring a mix of problems into sessions, from grief and mood struggles to substance use and relationship issues. He also addresses chronic pain, communication problems, dependency patterns, dissociation and feelings of emptiness among other concerns. Work may include discussing coping strategies, short-term goals and problem-solving.
Michael works in Australia and offers services in English. He describes therapy as a practical step toward change and talks with each person about realistic outcomes. To start, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How his approaches work in online counselling
Client-Centred Therapy is about listening and reflecting so the person frames what matters. It helps people who need to be heard while they work out their own priorities. Motivational Interviewing focuses on readiness for change and on discussing practical reasons and plans for making changes. It is useful for addictions and behaviour change conversations.Solution-Focused Therapy looks for small, immediate steps that move a person toward a preferred outcome. It is task-oriented and often used when someone wants short-term, goal-focused work. Michael combines these approaches to match the person’s goals and situation rather than using a single fixed method.
Finding the right mix of methods is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist and client talk about what feels useful and adjust the approach based on goals, progress and preferences. This helps keep sessions practical and relevant.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into daily life, for example by reducing travel, allowing shorter check-ins and making scheduling more flexible. The subscription model used for sessions can be cancelled at any time.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he work with?
He supports people with addictions, grief, low self-esteem, depression and coping with life changes, plus related issues such as chronic pain, communication problems and mood disorders.
What is his counselling style?
He uses client-centred listening, motivational interviewing to assess readiness for change, and solution-focused methods to set practical goals.
How much experience does he have?
He has four years' experience as a psycho-social recovery counsellor and earlier work as a mental health support worker.
What credentials and location are listed?
Credential listed is PACFA and he works in Australia.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I get started with his counselling?
Select the See online counselling options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Checking a registration
Professional bodies keep public registers. If Michael lists a membership, you can look it up on that body's own website:
Online counselling is not emergency or medical care. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers