Michael Darvill

If you're reading this, then you're most likely struggling right now.

You might be feeling anxious, depressed or low. You may be angry, sad or stressed by a certain situation or event in your life.

Maybe you've lost direction and meaning, and feel stuck as a result. Or lost someone important to you, either through a bereavement or relationship breakdown. Or you may be suffering from another kind of loss.

Feelings of despair, fear or hurt can be overwhelming. But...you've started the process of addressing these issues by looking for a counsellor. You've taken the first step.

How counselling can help

Together, in a collaborative effort, we can look at what is bothering you and attempt to find a way through. I will help you explore your feelings so that you might better manage your struggle.

Counselling has the best chance of working when the therapeutic relationship works - as such, I will spend real time, commitment and effort developing our relationship.

I offer a warm, gentle, patient and caring manner, through which a safe and secure environment is established. This is vital as you need to know you are in trustworthy and supportive hands.

I offer my counselling services across a variety of formats - face to face work, online (via Zoom) and by telephone - in a number of places: Newbury and Hungerford in west Berkshire, Marlborough in Wiltshire and the city of Bath.

My therapy rooms, based in Newbury and Marlborough, are safe, confidential, quiet and inviting. There is access to parking nearby in both locations. I am also available via Zoom and telephone.

I usually work by offering an initial six sessions, which can be extended with regular reviews, although the number of sessions is flexible and dependent upon your needs.

My approach blends person-centred counselling skills with an existential worldview; in short, I offer an empathic, non-judgemental space where you will be respected and made comfortable as we explore your world and what is troubling you.

I offer a free 20-minute telephone consultation, in which you can discuss your reasons for seeking counselling and what you hope to get out of it. You can ask any questions you need to before deciding whether you feel you could work with me.

What to expect in your first session

If you decide to proceed, during our first assessment session I would find out more about your background and current situation. We would also go through certain administrative issues such as times/dates of sessions, payment details/cancellation policy, how your private details are stored in line with data protection laws and other matters including the importance of confidentiality.

Therapeutic sessions are 50 minutes in length and I generally work to this format. However, if you require longer sessions, these can be offered at an increased fee.

Location

I am sorry to say I have no wheelchair access - but I do offer online/telephone counselling as an alternative.