Hello, I'm a gay man in an interracial civil partnership, providing counselling and also recovery coaching. I know it can be a bit of a minefield working out the different types of counsellors/therapists and who you will feel most comfortable with. You will find more information about me, my approach to the work I provide, and my own lived-experienced on my website, and see that I don't just help people with problem alcohol/substance/behaviour use (or addiction).
About me and my practice
I use a range of counselling techniques that ultimately respect and place each person at the centre of the relationship between the two of us. My original training was in a discipline called Psychosynthesis, and this helps people explore different parts of their internal world and work through the reasons for seeking help and support, providing emotional release, greater understanding and direction, and identifying and implementing self-care/behaviours in their live. Sometimes people simply want help in making a particularly challenging decision in their life or aren't even sure of why, but they know they want to change, let go, understand, resolve, or simply express some of their inner world. I provide a lasting path through all of this.
I always aim to be non-judgemental, empathic, compassionate, and understanding in my approach, and as you would expect, confidentiality is an essential part of this work. Many of my clients are part of the LGBTQI+/Gender Sex Relationship Diverse community (or simply indifferent to any labels like this). I take no view on the style of relationships and sexual behaviours that people wish to freely pursue so long as it is mutually consensual and legal.
Experience
Counselling works best when people commit to regular appointments so that the flow throughout the experience can be maintained. Usually, this is once per week. Initially, it is important to have at least 4-6 sessions, and thereafter we would review the work so far, and consider continuing to medium/longer term work. However, how the counselling experience unfolds is unique to everyone, and always based on what the person wishes and can afford.
I only work with adults and individuals. Many people prefer the convenience of online appointments, and it means I can work with people in other countries (or when they are travelling). I use a secure platform provided through Psychology Today, specifically designed for this purpose. However, I am happy to use other methods such as Zoom / Google Meets. I do not provide email/text therapy. I also provide face-to-face appointments from my home office in Sale, south Manchester and I have found that people coming to see me tend to value the confidential setting, rather than visiting a therapy centre. It also means I can keep my rates at a lower level as I am not paying for a commercial room somewhere.
I am a member of the professional body British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and therefore committed and abide by their Code of Ethics, and professional training and practice. I have professional indemnity insurance and registered with the information commissioner.
Qualifications
Postgraduate Degree in Psychosynthesis Counselling and Psychotherapy (University of East London, 2010)
Professional Recovery Coach Academy (2022-2023)
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (University of Manchester, 2015)
A range of non-certified programmes as part of continuing professional development.
I also have undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, including a PhD in health services research, which forms part of my other profession but with many crossovers and transferable skills.
Professional Membership
Registered Member MBACP
Professional Register
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Verified by Counsellingo on Thursday, 31 October 2024
Initial Consultation
The first session includes obtaining some background information about the reason for starting therapy (I encourage people to have a free, no-obligation call before hand too), and I will provide more detail about how I work, so that we are committed to the same working agreement moving forward. I will also provide this in writing, which outlines the professional and ethical conduct around confidentiality, and what happens to any information I collect. You can ask to see this before arranging the first appointment.
Fees
Appointments are charged at £55.00 and last one hour. Some concessionary rates are available - please get in touch to discuss the possibility of these.
When I Work
I have day and evening appointments Monday to Friday, usually starting at 12:00 and my latest appointment is 20:00 UK time.
Therapeutic Approach
Person-centred, integrative, psychosynthesis, internal family systems, systemic
Video Platforms
Psychology Today; Google Meets; Zoom; WhatsApp; Facetime
Pronouns
He/him
Area
Greater Manchester
