Welcome to the start of your Wellbeing Journey

Your journey of self-discovery, purpose and understanding your personal patterns starts here

Testimonials

  • "The Aroha Project to me is not about fixing or trying to find things to fix, it's a simple & private place to vent to someone who lives outside your world who listens & helps you find you one session at a time."

    —Mother of 4

  • "My daughter feels so comfortable speaking with Michelle. I am extremely happy to have found The Aroha Project."

    —Mother of 14 year old girl

  • "My son has responded so well with Michelle. She has such a positive impact on him and we are seeing the positive changes."

    —Mother of NDIS participant

  • "I always thought of myself as a working mum & everyone in my household had to come first. But Michelle helped me see that in reality I needed to come first. I didn't realise how much my family demeanor was impacted on how I was & I didn't realise how much my children actually watch me not only as their mum but as a person"

    - Working mother

  • Michelle is patient and kind. I never felt judged and felt the weight come off my shoulders after every session

    - 17 year old student

About Michelle & The Aroha Project

Hi, I’m Michelle, a warm, empathic & fun-loving counsellor who truly believes that every person deserves a space that feels like a big, comforting hug… especially when you’re sharing the parts of yourself you usually keep hidden.

People often tell me they appreciate my patience, my non-judgmental nature, and the way I create a space where they suddenly feel comfortable enough to open up, sometimes more than they expected.

I never set out to become a counsellor… but life has a way of nudging you towards what you’re meant for

I’ve had my own fair share of challenging chapters, and I’ve seen therapists in every decade of my life. Those experiences taught me exactly the kind of counsellor I wanted to become: someone relatable, understanding, and human. Someone who feels safe to unravel with.

I began noticing how many people — of all ages — were quietly battling mental ill health, identity struggles, friendship challenges, and a deep sense of “not enough.” At the same time, I was navigating my own painful experiences with ingenuine friendships and feeling like I didn’t quite have a place to land. And so my counselling journey began because I never want anyone to feel what I felt…and alone.

I love what I do and there is nothing more rewarding than watching those light-bulb moments when someone connects the dots in their own story!

I support

  • Young people navigating friendships, school pressures, emotions, and family dynamics

  • Adults unpacking past experiences, rebuilding confidence, exploring identity, or figuring out their purpose

  • Anyone who simply needs space to talk things through, feel understood, and gain clarity

My Background & Qualifications

  • Diploma of Counselling

  • safeTALK Trainer & Facilitator

  • DV-Alert trained

  • NDIS Capacity Building support mentor

  • Experience in youth wellbeing, sports environments, schools, and adult emotional support

I’m happy to support anyone who needs a cheerleader in their corner. And if specialist support is needed, I’ll gently help guide you to the right place.

What I offer that traditional counselling often doesn’t

  • A blend of fun, honesty, depth, and conversation that feels natural

  • A space where silence is welcome, tears are welcome, laughter is welcome, frustration is welcome

  • A counsellor who has lived experience, not just textbook knowledge

  • A genuine partnership — we work together, not in a hierarchy

  • Comfort, connection, and safety without the cold clinical feel

You don’t have to present a perfect version of yourself here. You just get to be you.

In sessions, you can expect

  • The chance to talk openly — or sit in silence if that feels right

  • To be challenged (kindly) when it helps

  • To laugh, cry, vent, or explore the messy stuff

  • A strengths-based approach to help you discover what’s already within you

  • A personal cheerleader in your corner, always

My role is to walk beside you, understand you, and help you reach the goals you set at your pace.

Our Services

Located in Wanneroo, Perth, Western Australia

  • This 30-minute session (by phone, in-person or online) is a chance for us to get to know each other. Every counsellor is different, and it’s important you find the right fit. This is the perfect time for you to name your challenges. explain what you’re hoping to achieve and in return, I’ll explain how I can support you based on your needs. There’s no pressure, just an open conversation to see if we’re the right match before you commit!

  • A safe and supportive space to gently explore the challenges you’re facing. Together, either online or in-person, we’ll move at your pace. Through our conversations, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions and behaviours and leave with practical strategies to support you beyond the session

  • A 3.5 hour group training session (in-person only) for 10-30 people. You will learn how to become suicide aware, debunk the myths about suicide and more importantly you will gain the confidence to ask anyone you love, ‘are you ok'?’

    Perfect for workplace, community groups, teachers and individuals who are passionate about making a safer community.

    Group 10 - 20 people - $120/person

    Group 21 - 30 people - $105/person

    Fee includes workbook, stickers, wallet card & refreshments

  • 60-minute sessions for high functioning individuals based around social and emotional wellbeing.

    Clients are empowered by working towards their NDIS and personal goals and are tailored around their learning abilities.

    Each session is guided by how the client is feeling on the day; this means if the client is distracted or feeling flat, we’ll move onto something a little more their pace and pick up where we left off in the next session.

    Time spent with each client is filled with love, patience and understanding.

  • This program is designed to help you discover who you are at your core and create a clearer sense of direction in life. Over 6 sessions, either online or in-person) we’ll explore your inner identity, uncover your values & pinpoint what may be holding you back. Together, we’ll set meaningful goals and use talk therapy alongside strength-based techniques to focus on desired outcomes and achieving success.

    Throughout the program, you’ll be supported with encouragement, positivity and genuine understanding. By the end, you’ll walk away with greater clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose to guide your next steps.

Set up your Introduction Chat

If you are reading this, congratulations for taking the first step in seeking the guidance you need. Booking in a Introduction Chat with me is as easy as a few clicks—let's start your journey to self-discovery today!