- Emotion-focused care
- Grounded practical skills
- Men's wellbeing aware
About Michael
Michael Elwan is an Accredited Social Worker (AASW) with 15 years' experience supporting adults and couples who feel worn down or quietly overwhelmed. He works with people carrying anxiety, grief, relationship strain, identity questions, burnout and long years of responsibility. Michael aims to make therapy a place where a person can slow down and be met without judgement.
He sees many clients who are holding things together on the surface while struggling underneath. Sessions focus on understanding the patterns that keep someone stuck, not just managing symptoms. Michael emphasises emotional steadiness and clearer ways of relating to self and others.
Michael describes his approach as calm, trauma-informed and culturally responsive. He draws on emotionally focused, narrative, mindfulness-based and acceptance-based ideas to help people notice what matters and take small steps that add up. Work in sessions is practical and conversational rather than overly technical.
His practice is informed by both professional and lived experience. Michael grew up as a young carer and has navigated profound personal loss, experiences he says shape how he sits with people and understands sustained responsibility and grief.
He holds membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers and the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy and is completing a PhD in mental health. Outside of work he is a husband and father of two, which he says keeps him grounded in everyday realities of relationship and responsibility.
Therapeutic approaches that suit online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck. It focuses on values and small actions that move someone toward a life they care about, useful for anxiety, depression and life changes.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It offers practical tools to reduce unhelpful patterns, which can help with mood, worry and sleep problems.
Attachment-Based Therapy attends to how early relationships shape current connection and emotional reactions. It can help people understand patterns in close relationships and build more grounded ways of relating.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences. That choice can change over time as goals evolve and new priorities emerge.
If you are considering online sessions, check which session formats are currently offered before booking. Confirming options helps plan practicalities like session length and whether you will use video or phone. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into busy days, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins during work breaks. Talk with the therapist about what will suit your routine and what to try first.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Credentials
Australia
Languages
English, Arabic
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michael specialise in?
Michael works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, trauma and grief. He also supports people facing issues like addiction, ADHD, eating or sleeping problems and career stress.
How would you describe his therapy style?
Sessions are calm and conversational with a trauma-informed focus. The work combines emotional exploration with practical steps to build steadiness and clarity.
What is his professional background?
He has 15 years' experience as a clinician and brings personal lived experience of caregiving and loss to his practice. He is also completing a PhD in mental health.
Which credentials and region are listed for this therapist?
Michael is an Accredited Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and a member of the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy; he practises in Australia.
In what languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English and Arabic.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How are fees structured?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.