George Downey MBE

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Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (MNCPS Acc.)

About me

About Me

Hi, I’m George. Life can feel heavy at times, and you don’t have to carry it all on your own. Counselling offers a space to pause, breathe, and find a way forward, whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, suicidal thoughts, or adjusting to change.

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent over 20 years in the RAF, often working with people under pressure and supporting them through uncertainty. I also know from my own life what it’s like to face challenges and major transitions and the positive impact attending therapy can have. Those experiences shaped the way I work today, with warmth, steadiness, and a belief that change is always possible.

For my work helping others grow and develop, I was honoured to be awarded an MBE. What matters most to me, though, is the privilege of walking alongside people as they navigate their own journeys, whether that’s living with suicidal thoughts, embracing neurodiversity, or adjusting to life during and after the military.

How I Work

I take an integrative approach, drawing on Person-Centred, Transactional Analysis, CBT and Psychodynamic ideas. This simply means I adapt to your needs rather than expecting you to fit one model.

My role is to provide a calm, grounded space where you feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore new perspectives, build resilience, and move forward at your own pace.

Who I Work With

I support adults (18+), and I have particular experience in:

Suicidal thoughts and bereavement by suicide

Neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, dyslexia)

Armed Forces personnel and veterans, including transition to civilian life

People in high-pressure roles (leaders, professionals, carers, therapists in training)

Anyone facing grief, relationship struggles, or major life changes

Sessions & Fees

50-minute sessions | £80 per session

Available in-person in Suffolk (Felixstowe area) or online across the UK

Short-term or longer-term therapy available

Concessions for student counsellors & military personnel

Payment via bank transfer

Professional Standards

Registered member of NCPS

Fully insured & enhanced DBS checked

Regular supervision and ongoing professional development

Taking the first step can feel daunting. If you’d like to explore whether I’m the right counsellor for you, please get in touch.

I offer a free 30-minute consultation online, by phone, or in person where we can see if we’re the right match. 

Training, qualifications & experience

Qualifications

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (CPCAB)
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB)
Certificate in Counselling Studies (CPCAB)
Certificate in Counselling Skills (CPCAB)
Introduction to Counselling Skills

I am an accredited member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS Acc.) and work in line with their ethical standards.

 Additional Training & Professional Development

I regularly update my skills through further training and CPD, including:

Suicide & Self-harm
Grief, Bereavement & Loss
Anxiety & Anxiety Disorders
Narcissism & Shame
Sex & Sexuality
Compassion Fatigue & Vicarious Trauma
Working with Abuse & Trauma
Children, Young People & Neurodiversity (Creative approaches)
Domestic Violence & Inner Child Work
Walk & Talk Therapy
Group Facilitation
 
Complementary Skills & Background

Alongside my counselling qualifications, I bring additional training in:

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) Practitioner & Team Leader
Safeguarding (Children & Adults, Levels 2 & 3)
Risk Assessment & Pastoral Skills
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

From my previous RAF and leadership career, I also hold:

Diploma in Management Coaching & Mentoring
Certificate in Leadership & Management
Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector
Level 3 Assessor Award
NLP Practitioner
Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) Practitioner
Thriving at Work Facilitator
Innovation Practitioner
 
Experience with Presenting Issues

I have worked with a wide range of issues, including:

Anxiety, depression & low mood
Low self-esteem & self-worth
Relationship issues
Trauma, abuse & bullying
Gender & sexuality
Bereavement, loss & grief
Self-harm & suicidal thoughts
Anger & emotional regulation
Neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, dyslexia)

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£80.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Keyworkers
  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

Sessions & Fees

Sessions are 50 minutes and priced at £80 for individuals.

I offer a free 30-minute initial consultation, giving us a chance to meet, explore what brings you to therapy, and see whether working together feels like a good fit.

Concessions are available for trainee counsellors and military personnel, and we can discuss these during your consultation.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

Email me 

If you would like a call back, please specify the best time for me to reach you.

Client Reviews from Google.

HE -

George is one of the kindest, hardworking therapists I’ve ever had. He took me from not wanting to share anything to opening up with nothing but hard work and dedication. He listens, validates and lets you lead at your own pace. He brings listening, understanding and solutions, letting you take control of things that once controlled you. He is absolutely incredible at his job, I cannot recommend enough.

TO - 

I first started seeing George in person and later continued our sessions online, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better counsellor. His calm, relaxed nature immediately put me at ease, and he has this incredible way of noticing the smallest things I’d never even considered myself.

Each week, our sessions gave me the space to reset and refocus on what’s really important. George listens with genuine care and insight, and somehow manages to guide you towards clarity without ever making you feel rushed or judged.

I’m genuinely so grateful to George for his support, and to Hector’s House for referring me to him; it’s made such a positive difference to my life.

Thank you again, George!

SC - 

I had the privilege of working with George as my Counsellor and I can honestly say it was a transformative experience. From the very first session, he created an environment that felt warm, trusting, and safe; a space where I could truly lay my soul bare.

Through our work together, I felt genuinely seen, heard, and supported. His calm, compassionate approach helped me navigate some really challenging times, and I’m deeply grateful for the growth and healing that came from our sessions.

I would wholeheartedly recommend George to anyone seeking a counsellor who combines professionalism and knowledge, with genuine care and understanding.

JS -

I have been working with George both in person and online since the start of 2025. George's approach to gently listen, acknowlegde and challenge my thought processes and habits which have formed over many years has been engaging and really helpful. I have found that George has been able to draw on a huge amount of experience to be able to help clients, and I have felt the work we are doing together has started to produce positive results in my life.

Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Groups
Organisations

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Online platforms

Whatsapp
Zoom
Microsoft Teams

Social

George Downey MBE
George Downey MBE