My practice
Michael Vaccaro has been working within the Byron Shire community since 2014, offering counselling, psychotherapy, life coaching, mindfulness workshops, community meditations, men’s circles, and relationship forums.
He has partnered with a wide range of organisations including Open Life, SAE, Vita Yoga, Naked Treaties, Powerful Moments, Sanitarium, CASPA, Man Fire and Byron Bay Detox Retreats.
Michael is a practicing Buddhist and has studied and embodied the practices of mindfulness, yoga, and Ayurveda for almost 20 years. His personal and professional journey has led him to integrate Eastern wisdom with Western therapeutic methods.
His formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Counselling through the Australian College of Applied Psychology, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Mindfulness through Charles Sturt University, a Certificate in Holistic Human Development and Meditation Teaching through the Australian School of Holistic Counselling, and training in Mind Body Medicine through the Paramount College of Natural Medicine.
Michael is a clinical member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and has been working in trauma-informed therapeutic care with families and young people for the funded service provider CASPA since 2016.
Michael’s work is based on the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model, drawing on his own lived experience and a deep commitment to healing. He helps clients explore and transform patterns of stress, trauma, disconnection and confusion into clarity, connection, and purposeful action.
He is passionate about enlivening the spirit of transformation, transcending limitations of the mind, and awakening the heart.
Michael brings a steady, compassionate, and grounded presence. His approach blends mindfulness and awareness-based interventions with relational psychotherapy, self-inquiry, somatic awareness, and personal development tools to support clients in becoming more present, authentic, empowered and whole.
He is experienced in facilitating:
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindful Psychotherapy
Mindful Self-Compassion
Person-Centred Counselling
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
The Work of Byron Katie
Non-Violent Communication
Positive Psychology
Psycho-Education
Life Coaching
With nearly two decades of personal and professional experience, Michael’s approach gives people access to practical and powerful tools they can use in everyday life. He works with individuals, couples, and families who are ready to grow, heal, and live with greater awareness and purpose.