Michaela Murphy
Relationship THERAPIST & 1:1 COACH
Some of my earliest memories involve wanting to be there for others. At five years old, when my best friend fell in the playground and cut her lip, every fibre of my being wanted to go with her to offer support while she was patched up. The teacher said no. I was crestfallen.
My work activates something in me that nothing else has. After twenty years in TV and video production — travelling the world, working with everyone from politicians to artists, even art directing a BAFTA-winning short film — I find myself doing what I'd always done informally: listening. I joke that I did my ‘10,000 hours’ in the back of a crew van, ‘counselling’ my colleagues about their unhappy relationships. In 2009 I began my formal therapy training, and I haven't looked back since — knowing in my bones this is what I’m meant to be doing.
What I love most is following threads. Spotting what's just out of sight for a client. Tracing whatever’s playing out now…all the way back to its origins — and watching the moment that insight clicks.
With couples I love seeing two people start to thaw and soften toward each other, implementing changes until they become part of who they are. Supporting separating couples to bring their relationship to a respectful close, putting their children at the centre. With coaching I love going deep into the unconscious, finding the root of a block, and watching someone blossom — then hearing weeks or months later how they've gone on to make changes they never thought possible.
This work is important. It makes a difference. I feel it every session.
SETTING
Swapping lively London for a more rural setting, I've consciously created a simple and peaceful life with my husband and son in West Sussex. I love to paint and garden — quiet endeavours that keep me grounded, which matters enormously in this work. That same quality is reflected in my garden cabin. Built from natural materials, filled with original artwork it's a space designed to feel contained, welcoming and safe. One of my clients named it ‘The Honesty Shack’ — and I can't think of a better description. In summer, clients can watch bees and butterflies move through the lavender outside the window.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I undertook my Relationship Therapy training at the Relate Institute, earning a Post-graduate Diploma in Relationship Therapy. I worked for a number of very happy years for Relate Mid Thames & Bucks, becoming one of Relate's 'Experienced Relationship Counsellors', before leaving to begin my private practice.
Prior to Relate I trained and worked as a Bereavement Counsellor for the Camden, City, Islington & Westminster Bereavement Service in London — an experience that continues to inform the depth and care I bring to all my work.
I have also created and delivered healthy relationship sessions in schools.
QUALIFICATIONS
Post-graduate Diploma in Relationship Therapy - The Relate Institute, University of Hull
Certificate in Transformation Coaching - The Shamanic Academy
Certificate in Psychodynamic Couple Counselling - The Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships, London
Certificate in Psychotherapy and Counselling - School of Psychotherapy & Counselling Psychology, London
Level 1 - Relational Life Institute
CPD
As part of my commitment to ongoing continuous professional development, this is a selection of the seminars & trainings I’ve attended:
Relational Life Therapy — Terry Real
EMDR Introduction
Somatic Experiencing
Mental Health and Couple Counselling
Working with Affairs
LGBT Inclusion training for mainstream relationship service providers
Working with clients from the LGBT Community
Time-Limited Therapy
Using Narrative Therapy With Couples
Domestic Violence & Abuse — Awareness, Assessment and Intervention
PROFESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS
I am a NCPS Accredited Therapist and practice in accordance with their ethical guidelines. As part of my commitment to ethical practice I have monthly supervision.
