Jon Astbury MBACP MSc Counsellor
About me
You might not have anyone to turn to, or for lots of reasons it might not be possible to confide in those people closest to you. Often because of past experiences, the idea of talking to someone about how we feel or something that is troubling us can be daunting and keep us stuck in our own private torment.
I offer Person-Centred Psychotherapy (PCP) and Counselling and my Counselling room is in Stretford, South Manchester.
Part of my approach is about understanding your world from your point of view and crafting a therapeutic space where you feel safe enough to share and work through the troubles you face.
Right now you may feel you need some skilled emotional support for a short period to help you through a difficult time in your life. Alternatively, you may feel something is 'amiss' inside and you want to understand your emotions and experiences more deeply, find a way forward or make some changes. You may also be unsure of what to do or how you feel but know you need to speak to someone - I can support you through this process. In my experience, when a person has someone alongside, who is equipped to understand, really doesn’t judge or criticise, the person has the freedom and a solid base from which they can work through what they need to.
More information about my approach can be found here:
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/person-centred-counselling
People often seek therapy when they are:- in emotional pain, coping with anxiety, depression or feeling confused; living in a strained relationship or with family issues; troubled by earlier life events, loss or trauma; coping with stress at work or at home; faced with discrimination or perhaps an important life decision & feeling ‘trapped' or 'stuck' and unable to move forward – Counselling and Psychotherapy can really help.
My Counselling room is quiet, private, with easy access to plenty of tea and coffee and my approach is friendly, calm and relaxed. *At present due to Covid-19 restrictions my therapy room is not in use (this will be continually reviewed in line with public health guidance) - I am however now offering therapy online or by telephone.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a Counsellor (MBACP), trained (MSc) Person-Centred Therapist and registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP); I am also an experienced NHS and third sector mental health worker.
I have particular experience working with people living with stress, anxiety and depression. Before becoming a Counsellor, I worked for several years in NHS ‘crisis’ mental health services and in the third sector for people with enduring mental health difficulties. I also have several years’ experience in local authority and third sector services for people with learning and behavioural difficulties.
As a Counsellor, I am committed to and bound by the BACP’s ethical framework for the Counselling professions. Benefits of the framework and a therapist’s commitment to it, is to give people confidence that the therapist they are working with is accountable to a professional body and can provide a safe therapeutic space.
Member organisations
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
BACP is one of the UK’s largest professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy. Therapists registered with the Association fall into a number of different membership categories such as Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP and Registered Member MBACP (Accred), each standing for different levels of training and experience. MBACP (Accred) and MBACP (Snr Accred) members have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by the Association.
Registered members can be found on the BACP Register, which was the first register to achieve Accredited Voluntary Register status issued by the Professional Standards Authority. Individual Members will have completed an appropriate counselling and/or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but will not appear on the BACP Register until they've progressed to Registered Member MBACP status.
All members are bound by a Code of Ethics & Practice and a Complaints Procedure. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
Up to £35.00
Free initial in-person, telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
My rates are £35 for a one hour session and concessionary rates are available. I believe therapy should be accessible to more people and not exclusive to those on higher incomes.
I can often contact people straight away or within a few days. I am able to offer day time, evening or weekend sessions depending on my availability. You can contact me on 0161 850 6871 or email me.
The initial consultation is free of charge and will last for around 30 minutes. This will often involve a conversation about what brings you to therapy, my way of working, how I might be able to help, and my responsibilities to you. This will also give you opportunity to ask any questions you might have about therapy.
This first meeting can be important when choosing a therapist. It can help to get a feel for them as a person, what they can offer and whether you’ll be able to work effectively together.
Availability
I can often see people within a few days and I offer day time, evening or weekend sessions. I also offer free of charge and confidential consultations.
