About Me

Hello I’m Mike, a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am also a certified Mindfulness teacher and deliver Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) workshops, as well as incorporating Mindfulness into my counselling and psychotherapy practice where appropriate or desired.

As an individual, I have personal experience of how helpful counselling can be, and unfortunately I have had personal experience of how unhelpful it can be too. What I take from these personal experiences is the importance as a therapist to attune closely to my clients and work collaboratively, flexibly and relationally. We’re in it together, working together. This to me is of the utmost importance.

I am an open therapist, rather than someone who may come across as stand-offish or guarded, so welcome any questions you may have for me if there are particular things important for you to know about.

Experience

I passed my Post-Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy with distinction from the University of Salford in 2017. After qualifying I gained employment immediately working for the NHS funded therapy service (known as IAPT: improving access to psychological therapies) offering brief therapy to members of the general public experiencing common mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. I am also a certified Mindfulness teacher and run Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) workshops within the same NHS funded service.

Before qualifying as a therapist I worked for two years as a crisis support worker on a helpline for people experiencing mental health crisis and I also worked for Mind’s national information line for a brief time. Before my work in the field of mental health I spent many years working in substance misuse services.

Qualifications

Certificate in Mindfulness Practitioner Training, Mindfulness in Mind, 2022
PgDip Counselling and Psychotherapy (Level 7), University of Salford, 2017
Certificate in Counselling Skills (Level 3), Manchester College, 2015.
Certificate in Counselling Concepts (Level 2), Manchester College, 2014