Mark Harkness

Qualified Person-Centred Counsellor. Experience in bereavement, adolescent issues, and addiction problems. I have a strong interest in developing therapeutic techniques using creative writing.

Although I have a great deal of experience working young people, I am in a position to offer counselling and support to adults too. I have a wealth of knowledge around grief, the loss of a child, depression, anxiety and addiction.

I am a friendly, outgoing individual with a great passion and dedication towards counselling and self-help therapies. I have excellent inter-personal skills and communicate very effectively with people from all backgrounds of society.

My non-judgement approach towards my work allows me to gain the confidence and trust of others quickly, and my discretion and confidentiality are a vital part of my role.

I've worked within various healthcare setting throughout my working life. Including time at 'Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital' where I was employed as an operating theatre assistant. This role developed my ability to think on my feet and become intuitive to the needs of the surgeons and nurses that I was working alongside. The nature of the work also helped to develop my ability to stay calm and composed in times of great stress and pressure.

I was employed by Eden Valley Hospice in Carlisle for 9 years. Based in a children's unit named 'Jigsaw: Cumbria's Children's Hospice'. I supported children and their families who were suffering from life threatening and life limiting illnesses. I also supported families through bereavement and help them face what is more often than not an uncertain future.

Up until March 2018,I was employed by Child Bereavement UK, a national charity which support for bereaved families and bereaved children. I was employed as a 'Bereavement Support Practitioner', based in the Carlisle and Eden District.

I currently work for PAC in Carlisle (Promoting Autonomy and Change) providing therapy and counselling to young people and children. I am also work two days a week in Keswick School in Cumbria, providing counselling and therapy to the students in all year groups.


Through my work within other organisations, I am able to offer some Family Support Sessions. A session with a family will provide a safe, confidential space for families to communicate their issues and feelings.

My experience in working with families and parents also enables me to offer 'Couples Counselling', which is a new development of my practice, and one that I am looking forward to undertaking.

Skype Sessions are now also available. Please email me for more details.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) work is also available. Rates negotiable.