Hi, I'm Michelle
I have a life-long interest in how the body works and am passionate about optimising health and wellbeing.
My Philosophy
When we have the right information, with the right support, at the right time, we are able to make positive choices and create an environment where the body is able to heal itself. This is endlessly fascinating and totally life-affirming.
Movement is medicine
I have witnessed how moving the body can reduce pain, improve breathing patterns, and calm nervous systems that are in overdrive.
This is why I firmly believe and advocate that movement is medicine.
Now, as an osteopath, I can draw upon these skills and all of my previous knowledge and experience to enable you to reclaim and maintain your health, movement and overall wellbeing.
A trusting therapeutic partnership
I work on the basis that you are the expert in your own life and that my role is to walk beside you in a trusting therapeutic partnership where your best interests and goals for optimal health guide the process.
This partnership is critical to achieving the best possible outcomes and I seek to inspire you to actively participate in your recovery process.
In conjunction with hands-on therapy, I offer a variety of resources that enable you to do so, including education, support with behaviour changes, ergonomic and postural review and advice.
Person-centred approach to care
For me, each person’s body and experience is totally unique and therefore demands an individualised management plan.
I work in partnership with you to incorporate your goals and consider all aspects of your life, including your work, hobbies, family circumstances, stage of life, fitness goals and personal circumstances.
Being able to work with you in this way, actively seeking answers and unearthing what may be underlying your condition is both completely engaging and an absolute privilege.
My Approach
I work in partnership with you to optimise your health, functional movement and quality of life.
I support you in improving your wellbeing and treatment outcomes by:
- Listening deeply
- Building trust
- Exploring thoroughly
- Conveying care
- Applying evidence-informed techniques
- Working in partnership
Background & Experience
Extensive studies and experience
My life-long captivation with the human body is reflected in the diverse studies and work I’ve undertaken throughout my career. I started out as an Anaesthetic Technician working in hospital theatres, before pursuing fields that offered a more holistic approach to health care. These included yoga, meditation, Hanna Somatics, Kinesiology and Thai yoga massage.
It was as a yoga teacher that I noticed how physical pain could impact my students’ thoughts, energy levels, sleep patterns, and overall feelings about themselves, and vice versa. This was the catalyst to pursue a deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology, through the lens of Osteopathy.
I successfully completed a further five years of tertiary study.
On graduation, I was awarded the University Prize for the Top Osteopathy Student and the ARPA Victoria Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Award for the Most Outstanding Student.
When we have the right information, with the right support, at the right time, we are able to make positive choices and create an environment where the body is able to heal itself. This is endlessly fascinating and totally life-affirming.
Michelle Harris
Qualifications
Bachelor Health Science / Bachelor Applied Science (Osteopathy)
RMIT
O.A. Member - Registered Osteopath
Osteopathy Australia
Myofascial Dry Needling and Cupping
Manual Medicine Australasia
Introduction to Osteopathy in the Cranial Field
Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation
APPI Clinical Matwork Pilates Instructor
The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute
Dru Yoga Teacher Diploma
International School of Dru Yoga
Dru Meditation Teacher Diploma
International School of Dru Yoga
Dru Yoga Postgraduate Studies
International School of Dru Yoga
Breath Coach
International School of Dru Yoga
Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner
Yoga Trinity
Holistic Kinesiology 1 and 2
College of Complimentary Medicine
Operating Theatre and Anaesthetic Technician
Royal Perth Hospital
Award for Academic Achievement - Highest GPA in Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) Program - 2020
RMIT
RMIT Osteopathy Prize - School of Health and Biomedical Science - Best Osteopathy Student In Their Final Year - 2022
RMIT
2023 Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards - Outstanding Student Award
ARPA Victoria
The body is a treasure trove of subtle signals and cues that hold the keys to well-being. With persistence and understanding, I gently explore these hidden aspects with you, utilising my diverse knowledge and skills to help identify and understand the problem, and create a personalised plan to bring about healing and transformation.
Michelle Harris
Things I Love
Kayaking
To unwind, I take myself outdoors. I find water very therapeutic.
Hiking
I am curious and always up for an adventure.
Ceramics
I find ceramics a fun and calming experience that requires my full attention … just like hands-on Osteopathy treatments.