About me
Hello, I'm Michael. I am a therapeutic counsellor with a background in Relational Centred Counselling. My approach has the therapeutic relationship at its core which is based on Carl Rogers’ Core Conditions of empathy, emotional congruence and unconditional positive regard. I also like to bring in ideas from other approaches such as Gestalt and Transactional Analysis as well as thinking from neuroscience such as polyvagal theory and neurodevelopment. I find that using these different concepts can more richly inform our thinking about how and why difficulties may be presenting now in your life.
These difficulties may be things you have identified yourself; they may have been suggested by friends or family or perhaps described to you by an organisation such as an employer or social services. You may not agree with their views! But whatever your path to therapy, relational centred counselling will give you a welcoming space to make sense of yourself, and perhaps of others too. It will also support you in making changes, should you choose to do so.
In practise this means building a relationship where you feel safe and in control. Saying out loud what we often keep silent can feel novel and uncertain. Working together therapeutically can help contain this uncertainty and provide us with opportunities to explore what this newness is telling us.
Most importantly, you will be very welcome regardless of your past, present and hoped for future.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and am Registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). I started my training in 2010 with the Welsh Psychotherapy Partnership (now known as Welsh Psychotherapy Institute) by studying Relational Centred Counselling and have continued learning since then. I have completed trainings in various approaches since then including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Therapy and trauma, however the richest learning has come from spending time with clients. I also have a Masters degree in Psychological Approaches to Health and Management and an undergraduate degree in History.
I respect the dignity and value of every client I work with. I have over 16 years of experience working in the wider social care field in both the statutory and voluntary sectors. I am experienced in working with clients who have experienced trauma, addiction and abuse as well as clients who have a sense that their life is not what they want it to be and would like support in exploring why this is. I aim to offer a supportive, compassionate counselling service that is provided creatively, diligently and professionally. Ultimately, regardless of background and experience, my clients are at the heart of my practise.
The relationship between counsellor and client is a strong predictor of the usefulness of counselling. I am therefore happy to have a free introductory phone conversation to help inform your decision about whether you would like us to work together.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
£50.00 per session
Additional information
Sessions are £50 per 50 minute session and can be paid in cash or by balance transfer. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours prior to an appointment; after that point the full fee will be charged.
Further information
I am an accredited member of UKCP and abide to their ethical framework. I routinely update my training to deepen my skills. I am insured and receive monthly clinical supervision.
