“Just as the pure white lotus flower blooms unsoiled in muddy water, our lives, which are supremely noble, can continue to shine even amid life’s harshest realities.” (Daisaku Ikeda)
Having researched inter-generational trauma for her doctoral thesis, Michelle believes that most psychological distress can be traced back to earlier trauma in the individual, family or community – whether (big ‘T’) Traumatic event/s, or the (small ‘t’) trauma of chronic inescapable stress.
Michelle’s early career began in radio and television, where she worked as part of the Diversity team at BBC Wales before moving into research. Experiencing her own period of depression led Michelle to seek therapy for the first time in 2006. There, she developed an interest in the investigative process, excavating her past to reveal what may have caused the depression beyond her immediate circumstances. Although on that first occasion she couldn’t fully connect with her emotions, Michelle did discover a home for her naturally analytical mind. The loss of purpose and identity that sent her spiralling into depression led to her calling and 2007 she started retraining to be a Counselling Psychologist.
From Michelle’s early career in TV, her passion for documentary film making has remained and she has been exploring ways to integrate psychology and film making. While writing her doctoral thesis Michelle experienced a spiritual awakening (My Descent into Hell: Understanding my Ancestors’ Trauma. Black Ballad). This made her curious about whether this awakening was a universal experience which opened a path to combining her twin passions of film making and psychology. Michelle discovered that this creativity is a powerful healing tool and has developed a workshop that incorporates creativity.
Dr Michelle Nyangereka’s life as well as her therapeutic practice are guided her Buddhist ideals of valuing the unique potential of every individual, she takes a humanistic holistic approach – being with the whole person rather than simply treating a diagnosis. Having trained in Psychodynamic, Person Centred and Cognitive Behavioural models Michelle works integratively to adapt treatment to your individual needs. Moreover, she takes an embodied and transpersonal approach to help make meaning from your experiences where appropriate. Dr Michelle Nyangereka’s continued commitment to her personal development through therapy and spiritual practice allows her to make space for you. Regardless of the approach Michelle uses, she believes that the most important aspect of any therapy is the working relationship that develops between therapist and client, that therapy is a collaborative process and she endeavours to create a safe non-judgemental space in which you are free to explore all aspects of your personality.
To find out more or make an appointment, please call Dr Michelle Nyangereka on 07989 974 498 or email contact@drmichelle.co.uk