- 15 years experience
- AASW Accredited Social Worker
- Speaks English and Arabic
About Michael
Michael Elwan is an Accredited Social Worker (AASW) and therapist based in Australia with 15 years of clinical experience. He works with adults and couples who feel worn down, stuck, or quietly overwhelmed rather than broken. Michael aims to create a calm space where people can slow down and be met without judgement.
Many clients arrive carrying anxiety, grief, relationship strain, identity questions, burnout, or the long fatigue of responsibility. Michael describes therapy as a place to notice the patterns that shape everyday life, rather than only managing symptoms. Sessions typically focus on building clarity, steadiness, and more grounded ways of relating to yourself and others.
His practice is informed by trauma-aware and culturally responsive perspectives. He draws on approaches such as emotionally focused work, acceptance-based methods, mindfulness, and narrative ways of making sense of experience. This mix helps people name what is happening and try different responses in day-to-day life.
Michael’s work is shaped by both professional experience and his own lived history as a carer and someone who has grieved suicide losses. He says those experiences guide how he sits with people and hold an emphasis on dignity and practical support. He is also completing a PhD in mental health and is a member of relevant professional associations.
If someone wants thoughtful, unrushed sessions that combine emotional clarity with practical skills, Michael offers a steady, compassionate approach. He welcomes enquiries from people who want to work through stress, relationships, grief, addictions, ADHD and related concerns.
Many clients arrive carrying anxiety, grief, relationship strain, identity questions, burnout, or the long fatigue of responsibility. Michael describes therapy as a place to notice the patterns that shape everyday life, rather than only managing symptoms. Sessions typically focus on building clarity, steadiness, and more grounded ways of relating to yourself and others.
His practice is informed by trauma-aware and culturally responsive perspectives. He draws on approaches such as emotionally focused work, acceptance-based methods, mindfulness, and narrative ways of making sense of experience. This mix helps people name what is happening and try different responses in day-to-day life.
Michael’s work is shaped by both professional experience and his own lived history as a carer and someone who has grieved suicide losses. He says those experiences guide how he sits with people and hold an emphasis on dignity and practical support. He is also completing a PhD in mental health and is a member of relevant professional associations.
If someone wants thoughtful, unrushed sessions that combine emotional clarity with practical skills, Michael offers a steady, compassionate approach. He welcomes enquiries from people who want to work through stress, relationships, grief, addictions, ADHD and related concerns.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy
Experience
15+ years
Credentials
AASW · Australia
Languages
English, Arabic
How his approaches translate to online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose values-based actions instead. It’s useful for persistent anxiety, low mood, and major life changes. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at patterns from early relationships and how they affect current connection and trust, which can help with intimacy-related issues and communication problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down thoughts, feelings and behaviours into manageable parts and teaches practical skills for anxiety, depression and sleep or eating difficulties.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael will collaboratively discuss which methods fit a person’s goals and preferences, and he adjusts the mix as therapy progresses. He aims to make choices together so sessions feel relevant and doable.
The practical benefits of online therapy include fitting sessions into a busy week, avoiding travel time, and keeping continuity when life is unpredictable. When session formats are not specified, confirm current options with the service before booking. Online sessions can be suited to shorter check-ins, focused skills work, or in-depth emotional conversations depending on what a person needs and prefers.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns can be addressed in sessions?
Michael works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, addictions, LGBT concerns, and coping with life changes.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He offers a calm, trauma-aware and culturally responsive style that balances emotional exploration with practical steps to feel steadier day to day.
How much experience does he have?
Michael has 15 years of clinical experience supporting adults and couples through a range of emotional and life challenges.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an Accredited Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and works from Australia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and Arabic.
Can international clients work with him?
He is not accepting international clients at this time and works with people within Australia.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions run through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start therapy with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.