Ian Watts

Ian Watts Counselling – Helping You Find Clarity, Strength & Healing

Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by something you can’t quite put into words? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through this alone either. As Fred Rogers said, “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.” When we talk about our struggles, they become less overwhelming, less isolating, and more possible to work through. That’s what therapy is all about—a space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported as you navigate life’s challenges.

Hi, I’m Ian, a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, a partner, a father, and someone who truly understands that life doesn’t always go to plan. Alongside my private practice, I work for a mental health charity, supporting people through some of their toughest moments. My own experiences with bereavement, serious accidents, and infertility have shaped my deep empathy and belief in the power of therapy—not just to ease pain but to help people rediscover hope and meaning.

I specialise in working with men’s mental health, helping clients navigate societal pressures, emotional struggles, and the unspoken weight of “just getting on with it.” I’ve also worked with women in domestic abuse and trauma services, supporting them in reclaiming their strength and sense of self after deep pain and loss. While I work with clients of all genders, I understand the unique struggles men often face in opening up and seeking help.

My Approach

At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship—we heal in connection with others, and our sessions will be a space where you feel seen, heard, and understood. While my approach is relational, I draw from a range of modalities depending on your needs, including person-centred, psychodynamic, and CBT-based approaches. I tend to focus on the here and now, exploring how your current experiences, emotions, and patterns are playing out in your life. But therapy often leads us to look back—because understanding where we’ve been helps us move forward. I know opening up can feel difficult, so I bring warmth, honesty, and even a bit of humour into the process, making sure therapy feels like a conversation, not a clinical exercise.

If you’re feeling lost, stuck, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here. Therapy isn’t just about working through pain—it’s about discovering what’s possible on the other side of it. Let’s take that first step together.

How I Can Help You

I have the most experience in the following areas:

• Depression
  Depression often brings feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness, making it hard to enjoy life. Through therapy, we’ll address these feelings, build coping skills, and help you reconnect with hope and joy.
  
  
• Men’s Mental Health
  Men often face unique challenges when it comes to mental health, from societal pressures to internal struggles. Whether you're dealing with stress, anger, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness, these emotions can feel overwhelming and isolating. Therapy provides a space to unpack these feelings without judgment, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild confidence. Together, we’ll work on breaking down barriers, addressing the root causes, and helping you rediscover a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
  
  
• Bereavement & Loss
  Experiencing loss can leave you feeling adrift, overwhelmed, or struggling to cope. Together, we can explore your feelings, navigate the complexities of grief, and work toward finding balance and healing in your own time.
  
  
• Trauma
  Trauma isn’t the event itself but the wound it leaves behind, shaping how we think, feel, and connect with the world. With specialised trauma training, I offer a safe space to help you heal, rebuild, and move forward with resilience.
  
  
• Disability
  A new physical disability can feel overwhelming, bringing significant changes and questions about the future. As someone with lived experience following an accident, I understand the profound impact this can have on daily life and emotional well-being. Drawing on both my personal journey and professional training, I provide tailored therapy to help you adapt, embrace your strengths, and navigate life with confidence and resilience.
  
  
• Domestic Abuse
  Domestic abuse isn’t just physical—it can also be emotional, financial, sexual, or psychological, and affects people of any gender. I provide a safe counselling space to help you process your experiences, rebuild confidence, and move toward healing.
  
  
• Infertility, Including Male Experiences
  Infertility can be a deeply personal and isolating journey, often accompanied by grief, frustration, and self-doubt. As someone with personal experience of this, I understand the challenges it brings, including the unique struggles faced by men. In therapy, we can explore these feelings together, provide tools for coping, and create space for healing and growth.

Common Questions

Am I the right therapist for you?
I offer an initial consultation to ensure I have the skills to support you and to see how well we connect. The client-therapist relationship is crucial for effective therapy.

Will therapy solve all my problems?
While therapy won't make life perfect, it will help you grow, develop coping strategies, and better understand yourself. We'll work on specific issues and explore what's happening in your life right now.

How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Some clients prefer ongoing support, while others benefit from 6-20 sessions. We'll discuss what works best for you during our consultation.

How much does it cost and how long are the sessions?                                      Each session is £50 and lasts for 50 minutes

Are sessions confidential?
Absolutely. As a BACP member, I adhere to strict ethical guidelines. There are rare exceptions (like risk of harm) which we'll discuss before starting therapy.

Let's Connect

Remember, finding the right therapist is crucial for your journey. That's why I offer a free 20-minute consultation. It's a chance for us to chat, see if we click, and determine if we can build a positive working relationship.

Ready to take the first step? Don't worry, I know it can feel daunting. But I'm here to make it as comfortable as possible. Let's talk and see how we can work together to help you feel more like yourself again.

Through our work together, you can:

• Improve your relationships and communication skills
• Process and heal from past traumas
• Gain deeper self-understanding and emotional awareness
• Develop effective coping strategies for stress and anxiety
• Build self-esteem and confidence
• Find purpose and direction in your life

What to Expect in Your First Session

Taking the first step into therapy can feel daunting, but I’m here to make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible. Our first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and explore what’s bringing you to therapy. There’s no pressure to dive in too deep too quickly—this is your space, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.

We’ll start by talking through what’s on your mind, what challenges you’re facing, and what you hope to gain from therapy. Whether you’re struggling with relationships, male-specific issues, past trauma, or simply feeling stuck, we’ll begin to unpack things together. My approach is collaborative—this isn’t about me giving you answers, but rather supporting and guiding you as you uncover your own.

I tailor therapy to your individual needs, drawing from different approaches to find what works best for you. Some sessions may focus on what’s happening in the present, while others may naturally lead us to explore past experiences that have shaped you. Over time, we’ll work towards building self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a sense of clarity about where you want to go in life.

Most importantly, our sessions are a safe, confidential, and judgment-free space where you can speak openly and be heard. If you’re ready to take that first step, I’m here to walk alongside you.

I offer both face-to-face and online therapy options to meet your needs and provide flexibility in accessing support. For those who prefer in-person sessions, I offer a welcoming and safe environment in Chorlton Manchester, where we can work together in a confidential space. Face-to-face therapy allows for a more personal, direct connection, fostering a sense of comfort and immediacy in addressing the issues that matter most to you.

If you prefer or require online sessions, I provide therapy via Zoom or Google Meet. Online therapy is convenient and accessible, allowing you to engage in sessions from the comfort of your own home or any location where you feel secure and private. With Zoom and Google Meet, you can still experience meaningful and effective communication, enabling us to work through challenges and explore solutions together, no matter where you are located.

Whether in-person or online, my focus remains on offering tailored support that meets your individual needs. Each session is designed to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered in addressing your concerns, whether related to mental health, personal growth, or specific challenges you may be facing.

I offer therapy all day Monday, evening sessions on throughput the week, from 5pm to 8pm, and on Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

Getting Started

I offer a free 20-minute telephone consultation to discuss your needs and see if we're a good fit. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions and get a sense of how I work, particularly in relation to my specialized areas.

If you're ready to take the first step towards positive change, I would be honoured to support you on your journey. Contact me today to schedule your consultation and begin your path to emotional wellbeing.