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Meet Michelle Zammit
Each month we spotlight an ACA member in the ACA Monthly Bulletin, our monthly newsletter. The Member Spotlight is designed to showcase the work of our members to you! We hope their stories inspire or spark interest. Let’s share our experiences within our counselling community.
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What motivated you to pursue a career in counselling/psychotherapy?
My motivation to pursue a career in counselling comes from both personal experience and a deep commitment to empowering others and instilling hope. I worked as a truck driver for 16 years until my life changed suddenly in 2011 due to a serious back injury, which left me with limited mobility for over two and a half years. During my recovery, I found that people were naturally drawn to me for support, and I began helping others navigate their own emotional challenges, offering hope during difficult times.
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In 2016, I experienced family violence, which further strengthened my resilience and deepened my understanding of trauma and recovery. These experiences shaped my belief in the power of empowerment, helping individuals regain control of their lives and recognise their own strengths.
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I completed a Diploma of Counselling in 2017, which I achieved in 2019. I then volunteered with Lifeline and became a paid overnight paid Crisis Support Worker in 2021, while also establishing my own counselling service.
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These experiences continue to drive my passion for supporting others, fostering resilience, and helping people find hope and empowerment in their healing journey.
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What specific areas do you primarily work within? Please tell us what a typical day or week for you would look like.
I primarily work in crisis counselling, focusing on prevention and intervention. I support men with mental health challenges, including parenting, relationships, and behavioural concerns, as well as clients in recovery with injuries or disabilities. I also work with individuals experiencing grief, family violence, AOD issues, and adolescents facing emotional and behavioural difficulties.
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My work includes crisis support 24 hours a day, risk assessment, safety planning, and ongoing counselling. I use evidence-based approaches such as solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, CBT, and narrative therapy, offering both face-to-face and telephone sessions.
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I focus on building rapport, fostering empowerment, and supporting clients to achieve positive change.
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Can you share a recent success or achievement in your counselling work that you're proud of?
A recent achievement I am proud of is completing my Bachelor of Counselling in 2026, reflecting my commitment to ongoing professional development and high-quality client care.
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Another significant achievement was receiving a Captain’s Honour on 5 April 2026 while on a cruise ship during a holiday, which I accepted on behalf of my colleague at Lifeline.
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This recognition was for our role as front-line workers at Lifeline (Crisis support workers & Centre in shift supervisors)
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It was a meaningful acknowledgment of the impact of timely crisis intervention, teamwork, and providing hope in moments of acute distress.
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What is the most rewarding aspect of being a counsellor/psychotherapist for you?
The most rewarding aspect of being a counsellor for me is witnessing people transform through their healing journey. I often see clients arrive feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or withdrawn, and over time they begin to grow, heal, and rediscover themselves.
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I describe this process as watching someone emerge from their cocoon and become a butterfly. It is a privilege to walk alongside clients as they gain confidence, develop coping strategies, and start to recognise their own strengths. Supporting that transformation into a more empowered and hopeful version of themselves is what makes this work deeply fulfilling for me.
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How do you contribute to the betterment of the profession and your community?
I contribute to the betterment of the profession and community through my work in crisis support and counselling, grounded in the legacy and values established by Lifeline’s founder, Alan Walker. His vision of accessible crisis supports, and suicide prevention continues to guide my practice today.
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In my roles with Lifeline Vision and Foundation, I provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention support, and my practice counselling using evidence-based approaches and models.
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I am committed to promoting hope, empowerment, and recovery, while continuing to develop professionally and reflect on my practice.
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Are there any particular projects or initiatives you're currently involved in?
I have a few ideas in the making.
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What advice would you give to someone considering a career in counselling/psychotherapy?
My advice to someone considering a career in counselling is to be genuine, compassionate, professional development and education, and committed to ongoing self-awareness. It is important to set clear professional boundaries and prioritise self-care, as the work can be emotionally demanding.
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I would also encourage exploring and working across different areas of counselling to better understand where you are meant to land. Exposure to different client groups and settings helps you discover your strengths, interests, and where you feel most effective and fulfilled in your practice.
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Is there a quote or philosophy that inspires your work?
The Vegvísir (meaning “Wayfinder”) is an Icelandic magical stave intended to help the bearer find their way through rough weather. It is described as a symbol that ensures a person does not lose their way in storms or uncertainty, even when the path is unknown.
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This philosophy strongly resonates with my counselling practice, as it reflects how I support clients through their own emotional “storms” in life. My privilege is to help people regain direction, stability, and hope when they feel lost, and to support them in reconnecting with their strengths and sense of purpose.
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This meaning became even more personal when I received a Captain’s Honour medal featuring the Vegvísir symbol while on a cruise ship. It was awarded in recognition of crisis intervention during a critical incident, where I supported passengers in distress and intervened in a suicide-related situation. I received it on behalf of my colleagues at Lifeline, recognising our teamwork and shared commitment.
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Open question - tell anything that was not asked in the previous questions.
My biggest two role models are my godmother, Sr Joan Healy, Alan Walker & Dr Byron Rigby.
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Sr Joan Healy has been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout my life.
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Alan Walker leaving his organisation that he put his Life & dedication into Lifeline
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Dr Byron Rigby, a highly regarded & respected psychiatrist known for his work in community mental health, has been a major influence on my professional growth. His ongoing commitment to mentoring and supporting others continues to shape my approach to counselling and crisis support.
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Their guidance has helped me develop a strong sense of purpose and commitment to helping people in need, which continues to inspire my work in counselling and crisis support today.