Mark Hillman

Verified Professional Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

BSc (Hons), Prof. Dip Psy Co.

About me

Hello, I’m Mark Hillman,

I understand that reaching out for support can feel unfamiliar or even daunting, no matter your history, no matter your social background, gender/sexuality, race or neurodiversity.

Whether you're:

  • navigating societal pressures as a man or woman
  • identifying as LGBTQ+ or part of a minority community
  • neurodivergent and seeking understanding
  • neurotypical but grappling with inner conflict
    You deserve to be heard.

Life events, whether anticipated or unexpected, can disrupt our sense of self. From retirement, redundancy, and bereavement to receiving a diagnosis or witnessing a loved one change, these moments can feel overwhelming. Yet, they also offer opportunities for growth. I’m here to help you make sense of these experiences and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. My practice provides a grounded, non-judgmental space where you can speak openly, be heard and understood entirely, and explore what lies beneath the surface.

My Approach

I work integratively, tailoring therapy to your individual needs using a pluralistic framework. Meaning there are many different approaches, and we will collaborate to identify what works best for you. Whether that involves exploring emotions, recognising patterns, or developing practical strategies for change. I draw from a range of therapeutic models, including:

  • Person-Centred Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 
  • Psychodynamic Therapy 
  • Gestalt Therapy 
  • Transactional Analysis 

Areas of Special Interest

I have a particular interest in supporting:

  • Men’s issues, particularly for those who may have been conditioned to “just get on with it” and/or "Man Up"
  • Individuals experiencing depression and anxiety
  • People navigating identity, emotional wellbeing, or major life transitions 
  • Adults exploring neurodiversity later in life
  • Survivors of childhood or recent abuse and trauma 
  • Those living with or supporting others with chronic health conditions 
  • LGBTQ+ clients (with specialist training in sexual and gender diversity)
  • Couples Relationship Counselling be it enhancement, repair or separation.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Level 5 (RQF). 
  • Certificate in Working with Sexual and Gender Diverse Clients, Level 5 (RQF).
  • Certificate in Couples Counselling
  • BSc (Hons) in Sport, Fitness and Coaching.

Member organisations

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

Photos & videos

Fees

£60.00 - £95.00

Concessions offered for

  • Students

Additional information

Individual sessions £60

Couples session £95

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

A Bit About My Background

I’m married with adult ‘children’ who have left home. In my spare time, I have volunteered at The Samaritans and currently support a young person as a mentor through ‘Motivation, Commitment and Resilience’ (MCR) Pathways. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in mechanical and electrical engineering. I’ve always been a “puzzle person” - curious about how things work. I bring this open mindset into therapy: I aim to understand your experience from your perspective and then collaborate with you to address the root causes of distress. You are the expert in YOU. I am here to help you uncover your own insights and solutions. Sometimes a temporary solution can help in the short term, but lasting change often requires us to revisit and reframe the thoughts and beliefs that underpin our struggles. My goal is to support your autonomy, enabling you to be more empowered and in control of your life and future choices.

Getting Started

If you’re curious about therapy or unsure where to begin, I offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video call. This is an opportunity to ask questions, share what you’re looking for, and see if we’re a good fit.

Well done on being brave, taking the first step can be the hardest part but you’ve already done that by considering therapy. Let’s talk about what comes next.

John Smith Business Centre, 1 Begg Road, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY2 6HD

Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples

Key details

DBS check

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
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.

Mark Hillman
Mark Hillman