bigbrownboots - Gestalt Psychotherapy

Welcome to BigBrownBoots - Gestalt Psychotherapy, a contemporary practice located in Melbourne, Australia. Our experienced clinician, Michelle, offers holistic trauma-informed clinical sessions that can be integrated with treatment from your GP and other health professionals. With a passion for mental health practices, including Polyvagal Theory, Michelle provides a therapeutic experience focused on healing, deepening connections, and developing a greater sense of self and vitality.

Drawing inspiration from renowned therapists such as Bessel van de Kolk, Peter Levine, and Irvin Yalom, Michelle brings over 8 years of experience in community settings and private practice. She has also worked as a specialist trauma counselor for individuals experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault, as well as a lead clinician in a secondary college working with at-risk youth. Her expertise extends to Employment Assistant Programs (EAP) and assessment and psychotherapy for the Victims of Crime Tribunal (VOCAT).

Gestalt psychotherapy, a trauma-informed approach, forms the foundation of our practice. This holistic framework takes into account your attachment history, internal and external supports, creativity in adapting to your context, and choices. While Gestalt may be lesser-known in Australia, it is a highly influential mental health modality in Europe, the UK, and the USA. People choose to study and practice Gestalt to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience, foster curiosity and creativity, and heal from past experiences and adaptations that hinder their present lives. Typically, therapy with a Gestalt psychotherapist involves longer-term work for comprehensive healing.

We also offer Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning, providing an authentic relational experience with horses. This well-recognized therapeutic approach is particularly valuable for children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, and difficulty in relating to others. Horses, with their innate ability to regulate and be present, offer a unique engagement piece. They teach us about vigilance, action, and rest, making equine therapy an invaluable tool for healing trauma. At our boutique farm in the Yarra Valley, both adults and children are encouraged to observe and connect with horses in a therapeutically safe and supportive environment.

Whether you prefer room-based sessions in Elwood or Williamstown, or online sessions via digital health, we cater to both local and interstate clients. Equine-assisted therapy is available by special arrangement at our farm near the Yarra Valley. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Warmly,

Michelle

Michelle van Kampen

B I G B R O W N B O O T S

earth | equine | human

B O O K O N L I N E

PO BOX 70 Hampton VIC 3188

tel/SMS: 0407 718 700

michelle@bigbrownboots.com

In clinic appointments at two locations:

- 109 Brighton Rd., Elwood (near Chapel St.)

- 46 Thompson St., Williamstown (next to Monty's)

Digital health inc. telephone or online video conferencing (Zoom). Available for interstate clients.

Access equine therapy/learning at a boutique farm near the Yarra Valley, 60mins north of Melbourne.