Mark Oakshott

As a person-centred therapist I don’t see clients as a collection of symptoms, traumas and anxieties, nor do I see myself as having ‘all the answers’.  Instead I believe my clients already hold these keys, but they can be lost, confused or alone.  It is my job to work alongside them as another human being who deeply listens and cares.  

Who am I and how do I work?

I came to counselling through my own struggles in life and I know how important it is to really connect with the person you’re sharing your journey with.  My work with clients avoids judgment and shame; instead I seek to provide a warm and supportive space for us to sit alongside each other and explore the issues you bring.   My focus is to hear you, to see you and to recognise the need you have, whilst working with you as the expert in your own world.

I appreciate how difficult it can be to take that first step, or the returning one, to counselling.  I am passionate about how counselling can enrich and change lives.

I worked in academia for nearly 25 years before qualifying as a therapist, and deeply understand the stress and anxiety that goes with working as part of a large institution or organisation.  I also have experience working with young people aged 16 and over.

Since 2019 I have spent a great deal of time working with terminally ill clients, those with cancer at varying stages, and their carers.  Such experiences throw our entire world into relief.  Fear of the future; fear of who I will become and grief counselling have become central to my work. 

Accrediting Bodies

I am an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and a member of UKATA (United Kingdom Association of Transactional Analysis),  holding a diploma in counselling with a specialism in Transactional Analysis and a Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

What is Transactional Analysis?

Transactional Analysts view many of our everyday issues as having origins in our early lives. The patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving set in early life often play out again and again, limiting our ability to be in the here and now.   TA  gives me access to an array of techniques and models to support you, while adapting my approach to suit your individual needs.

The foundation ethos of TA is rooted in equality and accessibility: it advocates that all people have the right and capacity to change.

Initial Session:

• £10

Pricing information:

• £45
• £50 after 6pm 
• £40 Student discount and low wage (Current ID or income proof required)