Big Brown Boots Psychotherapy – Gestalt & Equine Assisted
Michelle offers a warm, evidence-informed approach to trauma recovery, supporting adolescents and adults to navigate the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational challenges. Her work focuses on cultivating nervous system flexibility, resilience, and meaningful connection.
Integrating contemporary Gestalt Therapy with insights from Polyvagal Theory, Michelle provides a holistic framework that attends to attachment histories, honours adaptive capacities, and fosters new ways of relating to self and others. Alongside clinic-based sessions in Elwood and Williamstown, she offers Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in Strathewen—an experiential modality where horses act as co-facilitators in the therapeutic process. Relational engagement with a horse or herd supports nervous system regulation, embodied awareness, and relational growth. Therapy can be provided independently or in collaboration with GPs, psychiatrists, and allied health professionals for coordinated care.
Her areas of specialisation include trauma recovery and complex stress, emotional regulation for anxiety and depression, and personal growth through reconnection with self and others.
About Michelle
Michelle van Kampen is a PACFA-registered clinical psychotherapist, supervisor, and equine assisted practitioner with over eight years’ experience in private practice and community mental health. Her background includes specialist trauma counselling, crisis intervention with at-risk youth, and therapeutic support for clients accessing FAS/VOCAT, NDIS, and EAP programs.
Her work is informed by contemporary trauma theory and aims to restore safety, strengthen relational capacity, and reconnect clients with vitality and self-agency. Appointments are available in Elwood, Williamstown, and Strathewen (equine therapy). After-hours sessions are offered, and referrals or enquiries are welcome via phone, email, or her website.
Contact: Michelle van Kampen
Phone: 0407 718 700