Peter Gratrix

Many people present in therapy having a self-critical view of themselves, always judging and finding fault; Coming from a place of warmth and compassion I encourage clients to discover their own way forward through issues, to be kinder, more forgiving and loving towards themselves.  I also help clients gain a better understanding of the workings of anxiety, stress and depression and how evolution has played a part in the way we see things. This helps them become more confident in life.

As both a person and Psychotherapist I am passionate, warm and enthusiastic, I value and support my clients through many of life’s challenges. My aim at all times is to provide a warm, safe, confidential environment to help my client feel comfortable, unjudged but most importantly, ‘listened too.’  I see people from all walks of life and professions; presenting with issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, bereavement, depression, bullying in the work place, and relationship issues etc. No issue is too small!

I am a mature male counsellor, experienced in Integrative counselling and couples therapy. Before becoming a counsellor I previously worked in the engineering industry until a life changing event effected my general health meaning that I was unable to return to my place of employment. I chose to follow a career in helping others, an area I had been interested in for years. My past encounter with ‘unemployment’ as a result of health issues gave me a greater insight and understanding into the problems people with chronic conditions and disabilities faced, and how it impacted on their mental health, everyday living and well-being.

I have always had a keen interest in psychology particularly Buddhist psychology which centres on understanding the thoughts, emotions and behaviors of the human mind.   Thus, I retrained as counsellor, psychotherapist at the University of Salford, gaining a first-class degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy Professional Practice BSc (hons).

Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Problems, Low self-esteem, Coping.  Psychological and emotional support to the clients with long term conditions, help and educate the clients to come to terms with their condition and the impact it has on their everyday life, and improve their emotional wellbeing.
  

All adult sessions £25 for 45 minuets session.

Couples £25 for 45 minuets session.

A £25.99 deposit is required in advance in order to fully secure an appointment for counselling session.  This can be paid via PayPal.

Student rate £20 per hour (with proof of student status).

All therapy sessions must be met in cash only.

Wellbeing calls £20 per 30mins paid in advance 

I was a Counsellor at Manchester and Salford Counselling Service, 8th December 2014. MASCS is a charity-based organisation, which offers open-ended counselling sessions. At MASCS I saw clients with various range of issues, ie Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Problems, Low self-esteem, coping etc

I was also a volunteer counsellor at Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind. Providing counselling to people presenting with various psychological issues.

Whilst volunteering at Healthy Minds Bury I volunteered with a CBT therapist providing the Long Term Condition (LTC) group. I volunteered for three cohorts, which consisted of seven, one and half-hour sessions. It was my role to support the CBT therapist whilst, offering a Person Centred role to the clients. The LTC group provides psychological and emotional support to the clients, and with their experienced and knowledgeable the team can help and educate the clients to come to terms with their condition and the impact it has on their everyday life, and improve their emotional wellbeing.

I also volunteered for one cohort with the bereavement-counselling group. Both these opportunities where invaluable as they provided me with knowledge of group work and working with clients presenting with different psychological and well-being problems.

Whilst studying at the University of Salford for my Counselling Psychotherapy degree I undertook a placement at Healthy Minds (Bury) within the ‘Bereavement Department.’ This placement has enabled me to gain valuable knowledge and experience to counsel people who are having to make ‘life-long’ changes to deal with a range of emotions / adjustments following the ‘loss’ of a loved one. I have learnt that bereavement can affect a person in so many different ways and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, however, by sharing these emotions, which are all a  normal reaction to ‘loss’ (examples, anger, guilt, sadness, hopeless, helpless, shock, numbness, exhaustion, forgetfulness) in a safe ‘therapeutic’ environment with a trained counsellor will help the person to feel supported and bring about acceptance of their grief which will in turn help them to ‘move forward’ with their life.

Client testimonials (BetterHelp on-line therapy) 

“Peter has been a great therapist. He listens to my concerns and respect my wishes. I wasn’t comfortable doing video call and wanted to only chat and he agreed to it. He has share me different exercises to practice and be able to cope with my situations. I do not feel judge or pressured. He listens, understands and response accordingly. He even manages to keep in touch during the week to share a quote that is relevant to what I’m going through and I really like that because makes me feel that he cares and that I’m not alone.

“Peter helped me to develop strategies to manage anxiety. His expertise and compassionate approach have truly made a positive impact on my life.”
“I really like how supporting and understanding he is during our sessions and helps me understand myself properly too.”