Michelle Chapman, NCPS

Michelle Chapman (she/her) owns and runs Athena Counselling (www.athenacounselling.com) and practices as an integrative counsellor who has developed a particular interest in gaming and geek therapy. She works with people facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, critical self-talk and imposter syndrome, offering a down-to-earth, non-judgemental environment where clients can explore the what and why of their current struggles. Michelle holds the NCPS credential, indicating professional training in counselling.

Her path into counselling included around ten years of intermittent study, during which she gained experience in different areas of work before making counselling her main focus. That blend of life experience and sustained training informs a compassionate, practical approach to helping others make sense of their worlds. Since completing her diploma she has been developing a personal style of "geek therapy" that integrates interests in gaming and fandom into therapeutic work, and she is building workshops to share those ideas with other counsellors. Michelle aims to create a supportive space where clients can collaborate on goals and find strategies that fit their lives.

Integrative and Interest-Based Approaches for Online Therapy

Michelle draws on integrative counselling, which blends techniques from different therapeutic models to suit each person's needs. This approach helps address mood concerns, anxiety, self-esteem and relationship challenges by tailoring methods to the individual rather than applying a single formula. She also incorporates gaming and geek-informed therapy, using a client’s interests in gaming, fandom and related culture as meaningful entry points for discussion, identity work and coping strategies.

Deciding on the best therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Michelle works together with clients to explore goals, preferences and what feels most helpful, adjusting methods over time as needs evolve so that therapy remains relevant and practical.

Online sessions - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging - offer flexibility for people balancing work, study or caregiving responsibilities. These options make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals without geographic constraints, and they allow sessions to fit into varied schedules while preserving the therapeutic relationship and continuity of care.