Michael Napier, Cognitive Analytic Therapist at Due North Therapy
About me
The reasons people seek out therapy are as varied as we are ourselves. Some may seek out help for specific difficulties like anxiety or depression, whilst others may have encountered distressing or stressful experiences which they struggle to make sense of on their own. I am an accredited Cognitive Analytic Therapist, but also draw on other approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mentalization based Treatment (MBT). I offer a collaborative and flexible approach that invites you to be the observer of your own life and to take part in what needs to change.
I have 12 years experience working within a range of adult mental health services in the NHS - working with people with complex needs. I offer a relational approach to understanding the difficulties you experience. This means we explore the patterns of thoughts, emotions and behaviours within your relationships with yourself and others.
No two people are the same and our problems in life can start for different reasons. I believe that change and growth happen through the collaborative, warm and trusting relationship that psychological therapy offers. I aim to help you make sense of your own story in your own circumstances and so therapy is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - August 2020
- Cognitive Analytic Therapy Dip October 2016
- Mentalisation Based Treatment - September 2013
- MA Sociology - September 2011
- BA (Hons) Social Work -September 2008
Experience
My Background is in Mental Health Social Work and until recently I worked solely within the NHS. I have worked within community mental health, specialist services for people with a personality disorder, crisis and home treatment and within psychiatric liaison.
I have worked as a Therapist within an eating disorder service, a crisis and home treatment service and acute admissions ward, I also have experience of working with people with medically unexplained symptoms (such as non-epileptic seizures).
I have found that Cognitive Analytic Therapy is often helpful in untangling what can feel like complex and overwhelming difficulties in a user friendly way. People who have accessed other therapies previously often find the CAT approach and understanding useful and helpful in making the changes they want.
Member organisations
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£65.00 per session
Additional information
I would suggest putting aside a bit of time to think about which way of working would feel right for you. Please feel free to contact me to talk thorough any questions or queries you have - I'd be happy to help you find the right approach that works for you, even if you choose not to work with me.
Face to Face
Depending on your location you may prefer to meet Face to Face. I have a consulting room in my home.
Therapy out-doors
For some people, the usual approach of therapy indoors can feel uncomfortable. This can be for all sorts of reasons, for example the perceived pressure or formality of therapy, or the idea of feeling trapped or confined in some way. It may also be linked to your aims in therapy and the nature of the problems you want to work on. Talking therapy outdoors combines the conventional outcomes of therapy indoors with the known benefits that the natural world has to offer.
The North Coast of Ireland has a dynamic range of beaches, hills and forests that can contribute to developing psychological flexibility. Depending on your preference and location we can talk about what may work best for you.
On-line therapy
People access therapy online for many reasons, for example, it may be difficult to find the right therapist in your local area, or you may have child care to think about, or simply prefer being seen when you are in your own home.
I feel that it is important that the setting should mirror as far as possible a traditional consultation and so I like to check with you that you will be able to access online appointments in a place that feels private and safe. I use Zoom as it is encrypted and protects your privacy.
Fees and Appointments
I can offer weekend or evening appointments. I like to have an initial conversation with you by phone or email, which is free, because I want to make sure that I am the right person for you to see and so you can ask any questions.
My fee for individual CAT therapy is £65 per 50-60 minute session.
I only charge for appointments. My fees include any indirect work, if you would like me to liaise with other health-care professionals involved in you care I’m happy to do so.
Concessions offered for
Availability
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Currently I can offer evening and weekend sessions, but please feel free to contact me to talk more as I may be able to accommodate other times.