Mike Bennett
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Welcome to My Counselling Practice:
Embarking on my counselling journey later in life after a fulfilling career in science and healthcare has been incredibly rewarding. As part of my training, I was awarded a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. I am an accredited registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS Acc. -NCS23-04984).
My Approach:
I practice a pluralistic modality grounded in the person-centred approach, placing the clients at the heart of the sessions. My aim is to cultivate a warm and trusting relationship where you feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and feelings about your life and any issues you may be faced with. We will work on developing your emotional understanding and awareness so that you can ready yourself to move forward and, if ready, to change. We will achieve this by focussing on your needs and goals for counselling and by using a mix of creative activities and meaningful conversations.
There are no rigid structures regarding the number or the timing of our sessions. I am familiar working short term, for between six and eight sessions where we can work towards helping you achieve your goals or longer term. In essence our work will be tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
Most importantly, my counselling practice is supported by regular one-to-one and group supervision, ensuring adherence to professional standards and the ethical framework set out by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society.
Personal Insights:
Living with Type 1 diabetes means that I understand the challenges of being diagnosed with and managing this long-term condition. This personal experience enriches my empathy and insights when supporting clients facing similar issues, not just with diabetes but with other long-term conditions.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training and Qualifications:
I hold a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and a CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. I trained at Coleg Gwent, Coleg y Cymoedd and Bridgend College on a part-time basis whilst working full-time in science and healthcare.
I also hold a BSc (Hons) degree and a PhD in non-counselling scientific subjects.
Experience:
My pre - and post-qualification counselling experience comes from working with the mental health charity Mind. As a volunteer Counsellor, I worked with clients with a range of common and complex mental health problems.
I am currently employed as a Counsellor on a part-time basis for an organisation commissioned by the NHS to deliver Primary Care Mental Health Support Services in South East Wales. In this role, I deliver a range of therapeutic interventions over 6 to 8 sessions which support the psychological health and wellbeing of patients referred by Primary Care in South East Wales.
More specifically, I am able to help individuals navigate common and complex mental health problems including relationship issues, parenting challenges, loneliness and isolation, gender and sexual identity, suicidal ideation, bereavement and other types of loss, financial stress, workplace concerns, alcohol use disorder and other types of addiction. I have supported clients who are living with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, stress, anger, loneliness, loss and grief, trauma, self-esteem issues and long-term health conditions such as diabetes.
I am also a Tutor on the Counselling programme at a local Adult Education college. This helps me to stay in tune with the latest developments in theory and counselling practice and it means I am in touch with other Counsellors and related organisations across South East Wales.
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 National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.
In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. 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
£45.00 per session
Free initial online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
As mentioned above, I offer a free 20-minute introductory session so that we can get to know each other. I am able to offer a discounted rate (£25) for student counsellors who are studying for a Level 4 or higher qualification. Lower rate can be agreed if you are a student, an OAP, a job seeker or on low income.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening | |||||||
| Night |
Further information
If you are looking for a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings and emotions and work towards change and personal growth, I’m here to help.
If you find my profile interesting, I offer a complimentary 20-minute introductory session to help you decide if working together is right for you. I look forward to hearing from you via email, telephone, or text.
