Michelle McMaster

Trauma Recovery Consultant & Speaker (MRes; BSc(Hons); MBASW)

KINTSUGI* HEALING:

Some years ago I became curious about how to apply the principles of the ancient art of Kintsugi* to the unpredictability of human hurt and healing. As a result, I travelled to Japan to study the practice with an 83-year old Kintsugi Master. This gave me a deep understanding of how this patient and skilled method of repair can be applied as a metaphor to help ease human pain and suffering. I combined that with intensive study of applied neuroscience & embodied experience, to understand how we can consciously use our brain activity & physiology (neurobiology) to promote effective healing. From that unique blend I have created Kintsugi Healing as a compassionate, patient, effective method for creating lasting change.

I believe compassionate healing & lasting change is possible for everyone. I founded Kintsugi Healing* in response to an increasing numbers of adults asking for help with their mental health and wellbeing, outside mainstream health & social care systems (where I worked for many years).

I have spoken at very small, informal group events and to large audiences of hundreds, with local and global organisations, to share my learning and experience of over 40 years on topics related to mental health, suicide prevention, loss and grief, trauma recovery and overall health and wellbeing.

RELATED EXPERIENCE AND CONTEXT:

I have over 40 years experience working with children & adults who have experienced grief, loss and trauma, with a particular focus on trauma recovery, promoting positive mental health & supporting suicide prevention activities. I have worked with thousands of individuals and hundreds of small groups, teams & organisations, representing all sectors, including within the social work profession and alongside the funeral industry for almost 25 years. My approach to therapy is eclectic and draws from extensive training in a wide range of relevant therapeutic approaches, including CBT, EMDR, Applied Neuroscience, Trauma Recovery, Polyvagal Nerve Theory, Somatic Interventions, Coaching, NLP, and many more. I draw on my personal and professional experience when speaking and use humour with compassion to engage audiences.

*Kintsugi, literally translated 'golden joinery', is the ancient Japanese art of repairing cracked or broken pottery with gold to create a stronger and more unique piece.