About me
Are you struggling with a pattern of behaviour or a relationship that you know is harmful, but you can’t seem to move on? Do you think that feeling sad is just who you are, and it can't be changed? Through working with you in a safe, accepting way I can help you gain a fresh perspective on what has been troubling you. Building on this, we can work together to help you make positive, lasting changes to your behaviour and state of mind. This can be on a wide variety of issues, from specific problems such as family issues, low self-esteem, bereavement, stress, and separation and divorce to conditions such as generalised anxiety disorder, depression and panic disorder.
As an integrative counsellor I use a variety of approaches, with my main approach being transactional analysis. Transactional analysis is useful in helping us understand how past experiences can negatively affect us in the present; by using it to work collaboratively, we can develop practical tools and techniques that, going forward, will help you to live your best life.
Training, qualifications & experience
When not working in private practice I am a counsellor in the NHS, where I work with patients with a wide variety of issues.
Before working as a counsellor, I worked in industry and as a college lecturer, and have had both front-line and strategic roles. This means I have an extra appreciation of the issues that can arise from the demands of high-pressure work.
Also, my background in the creative arts means I am especially aware of the issues faced both by people working in the creative industries and those for whom creativity is a central part of their identity.
Aside from the experience listed above, I have a Level Four Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£70.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
- £70 per 50 minute session.
- Students: £60 per 50 minute session.
I am happy to talk by phone beforehand, and to answer any questions you may have regarding how I can help.
I also offer a free, no obligation initial consultation of 25 minutes in which you can meet or talk to me to discuss your needs.
When I work
Please get in touch to see if I have any availability and to discuss your needs further.
Further information
The below are from clients that gave me permission to anonymously share their words:
'I had long-term counselling with Mike, and he is a warm, non-judgemental and compassionate counsellor who helped me to work through issues that had been causing me distress for most of my life. Not only did he allow me to explore my feelings and learn more about myself, he also helped me to find ways to achieve my goal of being more honest and authentic in my personal relationships. My confidence and self-esteem have improved dramatically, and I have made huge changes my life for the better. Most importantly for me, he helped me to get to a place of self-acceptance, and I feel comfortable with who I am for the first time in my life.'
'When I first met Mike I was an unhappy late middle aged bloke who was prone to frustrated outbursts. Working with Mike I began to understand more about where that emotion was coming from. As a result I am better able to manage it which helps me and those around me. Mike did this by being very open-minded and seeing things in my situation that I couldn’t see. He also has very broad knowledge, so the conversations were energising and thought-provoking and something to look forward to despite the difficult subject matter. '
'Just wanted to touch base and say thanks for everything, and to let you know all is good. Completely transformed my life. I'm feeling miles better. I've even stopped smoking and started back at the gym with my wife as something we can do together. I've got more energy; really high on life at the minute. Thanks again.'
