Hi, I’m Michela,👋 

A Drama Therapist who helps people feel more connected, confident, and capable of dealing with life’s challenges. 

As a South African expat living in Germany, I work with clients around the world. I use creative therapeutic tools like storytelling, roleplay, and reflection with my clients to explore what’s really going on, and practice new ways of showing up in their lives and relationships.

But there was a time when I didn’t have those tools myself…

Michela sitting on a sofa with one hand on her head. She is wearing a watch and jeans, and has bare feet. The sofa has a decorative pillow and the background features a brick wall. The image has a teal checkered border.

The Story that led me to Drama Therapy

Years ago, I was studying to become a Drama Therapist, and even I didn’t see the signs at first…

I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and completely disconnected from myself. 

I was suffering from PTSD from a near fatal accident that had ended my acting career before it had even begun. 

I was living with chronic pain. I couldn’t sleep. My memory was foggy.

Looking back, I know now:

I was stuck in survival mode.

That moment led me into Drama Therapy, not as a student, but as a client. 

Seeing Drama Therapy first hand as a client, was where I got to experience everything I’d been learning and witness the impact of this work in a deeply personal way. 

It changed everything.

Now I help others reconnect with themselves and those around them, with the tools I gained from both my educational training and life experience.

Cursive signature handwriting that says Michela Nordmann-Netherlands
Michela sitting on a couch, smiling, wearing a black top and jeans with a watch on her wrist.

8 Yrs

1000+

MA

8 Years of experience working in therapeutic, educational and community spaces.

Worked with 1000+ students as a social and emotional learning specialist.

HPCSA registered, with a Masters Degree in Drama Therapy

Through my journey I have learnt 3 core truths that greatly impact the work that I do. 

  • Black hashtag number one symbol on white background

    You are not your patterns.

    If you keep finding yourself in the same kinds of unhealthy relationships, situations, and habits you wish you could change… You can. 

    The coping strategies you’ve learned like overthinking, over-working, people-pleasing, self-sabotage, and avoidance were likely formed early on to help you feel safe, accepted, or in control. 

    But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with these strategies. They’re not your personality. They are patterns and you can learn to change them.

  • Black hashtag and number 2 on white background

    It’s not too late to learn

    Most of us were never taught how to handle big feelings, express ourselves clearly, or set boundaries. 

    Now, we are left navigating adult life without the important emotional tools we need to have thriving relationships with others and ourselves. 

    But it’s too late… 

    Recognising and naming our feelings, or expressing them safely, are skills. 

    And like any skill, you can learn them.

  • Hashtag number three in bold black font

    Healing impacts everyone around you

    When one person starts to change, it sends ripples through their relationships. Families shift. Friendships deepen. Even if others don’t change, you relate to them differently. That’s the power of this work. 

    I hope that every person I work with leaves therapy a little better than they were and that they become an example of someone who is healing to those around them. 

    It just takes one person to begin the change. And then the family, relationships, and community are stronger for it.

Here’s what makes the Drama Therapy work I do different…

Most talk therapies focus on analysing your thoughts. Drama therapy helps you experience change.

It’s not about performing. It’s about practicing how to respond differently in real life. This work lets you try on new ways of being, before taking them into the world.

If that sounds like the next step you’ve been looking for, I’d love to support you on your journey. 

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Text slide outlining why drama therapy is a creative therapy style that explores topics through storytelling, roleplay, and reflection, including your emotional patterns, roles, and personal desires.

Let’s Find Your Next Step

Just getting curious?

Follow along on Instagram for ideas, insights, and upcoming events.

Michela sitting on a rug in a living room, wearing a black top and jeans, smiling and looking away, with a trunk and books in the background.

Thinking about therapy?

Let’s connect for a free 15-minute intro call.

You can ask questions, learn more about what we can unpack in sessions, and see if we’re a fit.

Close-up of hands typing on a laptop keyboard booking their free introduction session with therapy with michela, she is wearing a white shirt and jeans.

Ready to dive deep?

Explore my 10-session transformation package, a focused, guided journey over 10 weeks where we unpack and reshape one core area of your life. Or sign up for ongoing 1-on-1 sessions.

michela smiling at a laptop on an online therapy session with an international therapy client.

Planning a group workshop or event?​​

I create custom events, workshops, or programs for schools, teams, and community spaces. Let’s collaborate on something impactful.