Ian Watts

Ian Watts Counselling – Clarity and Practical Strength for Professionals & Men

Are you holding it all together on the surface, but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or increasingly numb underneath? Many of the people I work with, particularly professionals and men, feel pressure to 'just get on with it,' burying the emotional toll until it starts coming out sideways, perhaps as irritability, anxiety, or a sense of emptiness.

I’m Ian. I provide a space where you don't have to perform or pretend you're okay. I am a qualified psychotherapist, a partner, and a father. I know life doesn’t always go to plan. My own significant experiences with bereavement, adjusting to a physical disability following an accident, and the difficult journey of infertility have shaped my approach.  I don't just offer theory; I provide a deep understanding that life is hard, and a practical, human approach to helping you move forward.

My Approach

At the core of my work is the therapeutic relationship; we heal through 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 various 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. However, therapy often encourages us to look back, because understanding where we’ve been helps us move forward. I recognise that opening up can feel difficult, so I bring warmth, honesty, and even a touch of humour into the process, ensuring therapy feels like a conversation, not a clinical exercise.

If you’re feeling lost, stuck, or 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 Can I Help You

I have the most experience in the following areas:

• Anger is a natural and valid emotion, but when it feels out of control or affects your relationships and well-being, it can be worth exploring what lies beneath the surface. Often, what shows up as anger is covering something deeper, such as hurt, fear, shame, or feeling misunderstood. Together, we will look at what is driving your anger, notice the early warning signs before things escalate, and develop practical ways to respond differently, so that anger works for you rather than against you.
  
  

• Anxiety is a normal human experience; it's our mind's way of trying to protect us. However, when it becomes overwhelming, it can lead to constant worry, physical tension, racing thoughts, or avoidance of situations that feel too much to handle. Together, we'll explore what's driving your anxiety, develop practical tools to manage it, and help you regain a sense of calm and control in your daily life.

• Men's Mental Health - Men often face unique challenges with their emotional well-being, from societal pressures to 'just get on with it', to internal struggles that can appear in various ways. Men's mental health issues can show differently from women's through anger, irritability, emotional flatness or numbness, risk-taking, or coping mechanisms such as alcohol, substances, pornography, or sex. These behaviours and feelings often hide deeper issues like stress, emptiness, or overwhelm. Therapy offers a space to explore what's really going on without judgment, tackle the root causes rather than just the symptoms, and develop healthier coping strategies. Together, we will work to break down barriers and help you rediscover a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

• 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.
  
  
• 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 in this area, I understand the challenges it entails, including the unique struggles men face. In therapy, we can explore these feelings together, provide coping tools, 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 effective coping strategies, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. We'll work on specific issues and explore what's happening in your life at this moment.

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 £60 and lasts for 50 minutes.

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

Let's Connect

Remember, finding the right therapist is essential. That's why I provide a free 20-minute consultation. It's an opportunity for us to talk, see if we connect, and decide if we can establish a positive working relationship.

Ready to take the first step? Don't worry, I understand it can feel intimidating. But I'm here to make it as comfortable as possible. Let's discuss 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
• 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 intimidating, but I’m here to make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible. Our initial session is an opportunity 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 begin by discussing what’s on your mind, the challenges you’re facing, and what you hope to gain from therapy. Whether you’re dealing with relationships, male-specific issues, past trauma, or simply feeling stuck, we’ll start to unpack things together. My approach is collaborative; this isn’t about me giving you answers, but supporting and guiding you as you discover your own.

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

Most importantly, our sessions are a confidential, 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 to fit around your life. For in-person sessions, I'm based in Chorlton, Manchester, where we can meet in a confidential, comfortable setting. If online works better for you, I use Google Meet only, so you can join from wherever suits you.

Availability I work Monday and Tuesday 3:30 pm–8:00 pm, and Thursday 12:00 pm–8:00 pm.

Fees are £65 per 50-minute session.

Whether we meet in person or online, my focus is on working with you in a way that fits your situation - not a one-size-fits-all approach.

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.