About me
Hi, I'm Mark, thank you for visiting my page. You've taken the first step by visiting this website, keep going as help is not far away!
What I can help you with
Some clients need a space to share their experiences, to vent about work or offload the pressures life brings, others need help with self-esteem. Some have traumatic and life-changing events to carefully unpick and address. Whatever it is that brings you to counselling, we can take the journey together, at your pace and on your terms.
I have specific interests in trauma/PTSD, bereavement, emergency and healthcare services staff, ADHD and Autism.
Client Testimonial (Glynis 2025):
"After 5 years of struggling to help myself after being diagnosed with PTSD following the tragic loss of my son I decided I needed professional help? I researched a number of counsellors online and Mark’s profile stood out which made me take that crucial step to get the help I knew I needed. My appointments were face to face with Mark the first one I felt immediately at ease and able to off load my symptoms, feelings and discuss what I hoped I would get out of the sessions . I had no hesitation in booking ahead several appointments each one I was relaxed and comfortable to continue sharing my feelings , thoughts, anxiety, details of flashbacks routed to that one day 5 years ago etc with Mark who was professional and attentive at all times, listened with empathy . I am grateful I took that first step I am beginning to look forward instead of backwards, my mind is relaxing and symptoms decreasing finally!! I was reassured I could contact Mark for follow up if needed? I strongly recommend Mark to anyone in need of counselling for whatever the reason!"
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a qualified, Person Centred Therapist, attaining a PGDip Counselling and Psychotherapy, a BACP accredited course.
I am experienced working with clients diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, PTSD, depression and a range of other issues. I have worked with clients experiencing anxiety or stress, depression, alcohol and substance misuse, bereavement and loss, psychosis, suicidal ideation, health anxieties, low self esteem or self confidence and terminal diagnoses.
I work, freelance, with a company called Traumaticus who specialise in clients experiencing trauma and PTSD - another one of my specific interests.
I work with clients face to face or online.
I see clients aged 16 - 80+. At present, I do not offer couples therapy.
I also have more than 15 years experience working within the NHS.
Visit my website for more details: https://first-step.me.uk/
Member organisations
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
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I am happy to work with anyone over the age of 16, with any diagnosis or issue. All I ask in return is that you try to keep an open mind and genuinely want change or growth.
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Trainee counsellors £30 per session
Emergency service workers £40 per session
When I work
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Further information
If needed, I offer a free telephone or online consultation for me to assess your needs and so that we can each decide if we want to work together. Following that we will book our first session. If you can't find the time slot you need, feel free to send me a message I'm sure we can figure that out.
I understand that face to face counselling can be difficult for some people, building trust in the relationship is important so I offer online therapy if you need it.
