John Ridley

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Counsellor, Psychotherapist & Coach - MA MBACP MNCPS Acc.

About me

A Thoughtful, Individualised Approach to Therapy and Coaching

Everyone has a desire to be the best possible version of themselves. My role is to help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be. I can help with therapy for personal wellbeing, stress and anxiety, depression, relationship and sexuality issues, substance use, health conditions and HIV. Whether you’re facing emotional challenges, relationship difficulties, professional pressures, or something harder to define, I offer a grounded, compassionate space where you can begin to explore what’s going on and what’s possible.

My work is always led by empathy, acceptance, and respect for your unique experience. I take a thoughtful and flexible approach, tailoring our sessions to how you best process, reflect, and grow. Whether you’re looking for deep therapy, or forward-focused coaching, you’ll be met with care and professionalism.

How I Work

I practise as an integrative therapist, drawing from a wide range of therapeutic models to meet your individual needs. My core training is person-centred, placing feelings and relationships at the heart of our work. I also hold qualifications in low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mental health assessment, gained through the University of Exeter.

Depending on what feels most helpful to you, I may also incorporate elements such as:

Gestalt therapy
Transactional Analysis
Psychodynamic theory
Solution-Focused Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Internal Family Systems
Mindfulness and Positive Psychology

Our work will evolve based on your goals, preferences, and personal style.

A Broader Perspective

Before becoming a therapist, I worked in business change consultancy, finance, entrepreneurship, and education. These experiences continue to inform my coaching work and add practical insight when supporting clients with stress, leadership challenges, or decision-making.

I hold a Master of Arts from Clare College, University of Cambridge, and completed postgraduate study at UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, where I focused on child development through to adulthood, special educational needs, and neurodiversity.

Experience Across Sectors

I’ve worked in a range of therapeutic environments, including:

  • NHS – South London and Maudsley Trust / Talking Therapies
  • Private medical insurance providers
  • Corporate mental health programmes
  • Voluntary and third-sector organisations
  • Private practice

This breadth helps me meet clients from all walks of life with insight, flexibility, and deep care.

Let’s Work Together

Whether you’re seeking psychotherapy, coaching, or a blend, I offer a space where you can feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward.

Take the opportunity now to book your initial appointment.  If you’d like to know more, please get in touch.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Registered Member MBACP
  • Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
  • GradCert Psychological Wellbeing Practice - University of Exeter
  • Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling - CPCAB
  • MA - Clare College, University of Cambridge
  • PGCert - Special Educational Needs Coordination - UCL London
  • National Professional Qualification for Headship - UCL London
  • Qualified Teacher Status - UCL London

Member organisations

school 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.

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

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
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£75.00 - £160.00

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle Students

Additional information

Individual - £75

Couples session - £160

Coaching session - £160 (90 minutes)

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Regus, 48 Warwick Street, London, Greater London, W1B 5AW

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check info

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

Wheelchair user access info
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Online platforms

Microsoft Teams

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