Michael Thorne

Discounts for those working in the NHS, emergency services, armed services and veterans (please visit my website for details)

Hello I’m Mike – the owner of Harbour Light Therapy. Before setting up Harbour Light Therapy, I spent the last 31 years as a music teacher and freelance musician. Both careers have enabled me to mix with a wide variety of people and gain an interest into what makes people tick. With this in mind, I felt the need to expand my horizons and develop an interest I have always had in the helping and caring professions – especially in the areas of psychotherapy, counselling and psychology. Becoming a graduate in psychology has given me an appetite for the science of mind and behaviour, while psychotherapy and counselling provides a practical way of utilising psychological theories to help people directly. My Post Graduate Diploma in Consultative Supervision now allows me to help other therapists and organisations.

Currently, I am still working part time as a teacher and musician but I have taken on an additional role working as a lecturer in counselling at Coleg Sir Gar on their University of Wales Trinity St David foundation degree programme, and co-ordinating and teaching an introduction to counselling course. I completed 4 years at Carmarthenshire Counselling Service (CCS) which allowed me to meet a variety of people and deal with an assortment of psychological difficulties and I regularly received positive feedback from clients following my final session with them. In addition to this, I provide psychotherapy for employees at Dyfed-Powys Police and Marelli (previously Calsonic Kansei in Llanelli). I offer employee assistance programmes for The Red Poppy Company, Pegasus Occupational Health, Aviva, Aetna Global Benefits, Vitality Health and PTSD Resolution.

Now I have my own therapy and supervision practice – Harbour Light Therapy – which offers a simple, efficient and personalised service. Given my employment history, I fully understand the almost continuous stress that can affect teachers and performers. Therefore I can offer bespoke therapy for those employed in education and the performing arts. This can include help with performance anxiety and stress reduction.

My therapy is simple yet effective: we chat to build up rapport and gather information; if appropriate, I will help you set realistic and achievable goals for yourself – you will choose how to accomplish this;  I will share and rehearse skills with you to enable you to move forward with your life; we will move forward at a pace that suits you and at no time should there be any pressure on you to say or do anything with which you feel uncomfortable.

I offer a wide variety of psychological approaches to suit the client. From humanistic approaches to use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques; mindfulness to solution-focused therapy. For explanations of these approaches and others please visit http://www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk/what-is-therapy/types-of-therapy. I also practise Human Givens therapy which considers those resources within all human beings that can effectively help us to meet our physical and emotional needs.

I can help with:

• Anxiety disorders including performance anxiety
• Depression
• Stress management
• Psychological distress related to health issues
• Worry about medical procedures
• Sleep problems
• Trauma & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Abuse and domestic violence
• Loss, Grief, Bereavement
• Weight loss
• Giving up smoking
• Phobias
• Addictions
• Loneliness
• Anger management
• Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
• Relationship issues
• Sexuality matters
• Troubled young people
• Pain control, especially for chronic medical conditions
• Teaching relaxation using Mindfulness and other methods

Please contact me to arrange a free initial consultation – which will be a confidential 10-to-20 minute conversation on the phone where we will discuss your issues and to see if my therapy is suitable for you. I am qualified to work with adults and children*. In general, I see clients for between 2 and 8 sessions but I can offer long-term therapy if required.

Therapy sessions last for 50-60 minutes and take place in a warm, comfortable and private environment - this a purpose built garden room to the side and back of my property. There is roadside parking and bathroom facilities can be available. When you book your first session with me I will send you directions. I can offer therapy remotely via the internet and a webcam*, and also telephone*.  I also offer a limited number of home visits*.

At the moment I can offer therapy on Monday (morning and afternoon), Thursday (morning and afternoon) and Saturday (morning).

I am insured to practice (Holistic Insurance Services) and I hold an enhanced certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). All discussions between myself and my clients are confidential and my work is bound by the ethical frameworks of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and the Human Givens Institute, as well as adhering to the guidelines issued by the British Psychological Society. I regularly attend continuing professional development (CPD) training to ensure that my skills are up to date and to learn new ones.

* - subject to initial consultation

• Performance anxiety
• Interview nerves
• Exam nerves
• Psychological distress related to health issues
• Worry about medical procedures
• Loneliness
• Behavioural problems in children and teenagers
• Teaching relaxation methods
• Men's health

Therapy and supervision sessions cost £40 for 50-60 minutes. This is payable by cash, cheque or bank transfer in advance for all modes of therapy. I do offer concessionary rates for student counsellors/therapists/supervisors, students, low waged/unemployed – please ask for details. A discount for those working in the emergency services, armed services and veterans will apply - please see my website for details.

Employee assistance programmes (EAPs) - please contact me for a competitive fee structure.

I offer employee assistance programmes (EAPs) for companies, corporations and organisations wishing to offer their employees an effective route to resolve their issues which would ordinarily be outside the remit of human resources and management. Arrangements can be made on a bespoke basis to suit your requirements.

I also offer training, talks and seminars for groups and organisations in the areas of performance anxiety, stress management and relaxation methods.