Michael Metcalfe

You might find yourself going over things in your mind, being hard on yourself or feeling stuck in patterns you don't fully understand. Counselling offers an opportunity to slow down, explore what's happening beneath the surface and begin to understand yourself with greater compassion.

You might know exactly what's troubling you, or you might have a sense that something isn't right without knowing where to begin. Whatever brings you to counselling, you don't need to have all the answers before we meet.

My approach is person-centred. This means that our work begins with you: your experiences, feelings, needs and the things that matter most to you. I aim to offer a warm, accepting and non-judgemental relationship where you can speak openly and feel heard and understood. I'll listen carefully, share reflections and, where appropriate, gently challenge you to help you explore things from a different perspective.

I don't believe there's a one-size-fits-all solution to life's difficulties. Rather than telling you what to do, I'll work alongside you as you make sense of your experiences, understand yourself more deeply and discover what feels right for you. We can begin wherever you are right now and take things at a pace that feels manageable for you.

I have experience supporting people with a range of difficulties, including:

Anxiety, low mood and depression
Low self-esteem, self-doubt and feelings of shame
Anger and difficulties managing emotions
Grief, bereavement and other experiences of loss
Trauma and difficult past experiences
Relationship difficulties and changes in relationships
Sexual health concerns
Suicidal thoughts and the impact of suicide
Fears around death, meaning and the uncertainties of life
Financial worries and their impact on wellbeing
Difficulties relating to alcohol or drug use
You may be experiencing one of these difficulties, several at once, or something that doesn't fit neatly into any category. You don't need to have a particular diagnosis or be able to explain exactly what's wrong to seek counselling.

My core approach is person-centred, which means I place great importance on the therapeutic relationship and on understanding your experience from your perspective. I believe that being genuinely heard and accepted can create the conditions for greater self-understanding, change and personal growth.

Alongside my person-centred training, I have studied inner-child work, solution-focused therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and compassion-focused therapy. These approaches offer additional ways of exploring experiences and difficulties when they feel appropriate to our work together. I remain guided by your needs, preferences and what feels helpful to you.

I'm a qualified person-centred counsellor and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I also bring a background in teaching, working with young adults from diverse backgrounds and supporting their learning, creativity and development.

Outside counselling, I'm passionate about music and enjoy playing the drums and banjo. I love spending time outdoors and observing nature, and I care deeply about social justice and human rights.

I believe that every person has their own story, shaped by their experiences, relationships and circumstances. I'm interested in understanding people as individuals, rather than making assumptions about who they are or what they need.

If you are curious to learn more about what therapy with me might be like, we can have a free 10-15-minute phone consultation. Reaching out can be a difficult step, but there is no commitment required on your part until you are happy that I am the right fit for you and you decide you want to work with me.

Concession rates apply if you may be eligible. I'd like therapy to be accessible so get in touch and we can talk. 

Our first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another. We'll talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you hope to gain from it and any questions or concerns you may have about the process.

You don't need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say. We can take time to explore what's happening for you and work out together what feels important to focus on.

Counselling isn't about being told how to live your life. It's an opportunity to understand yourself, explore difficult feelings and experiences, and find your own way forward with support.

I offer counselling face to face in Liverpool, as well as online and by telephone.

Aigburth, Liverpool: I work from Sunflowers, a wheelchair-accessible charity supporting people affected by cancer, bereavement and a wider range of difficulties. Parking is available at the front of the building.

Liverpool city centre: I also work from counselling rooms on Rodney Street, within walking distance of Liverpool Central and Lime Street stations, and at a location on Old Hall Street. Fees may vary depending on the location, and we can discuss this before arranging sessions.