Nick Hoare

I work as a relational and existential therapist in private practice, based in Leeds city centre. I stepped back from my role as lead Psychotherapist with the Harrogate Homeless Project in 2023, to concentrate fully on my private practice. I have worked therapeutically in the area of mental health for over 25 years, and have ten years of post-qualification experience as a therapist, registered as an accredited member of the BACP.

I work from the understanding that who we are and how we make sense of our lives is deeply informed by the ways in which we relate with others, and also with ourselves. My job is to provide the conditions and opportunities in which you may freely explore what is happening for you. The more fully we are able to achieve this, the more valuable therapy can become. 

I am passionate in my belief that we have a profound capacity for growth and change and that talking therapies can offer a real opportunity for this; often taking us beyond what may have seemed fixed and unmovable.  

I charge between £50 and £70 per session; determined by your (or the person who is paying for therapy's) level of income. 

You might prefer to find out more at this stage through a brief telephone conversation. In an initial 15 minute call we can discuss your situation, and I can offer you a view of whether therapy may be helpful at this time, as well as answer any questions that you might have. A call at this stage would be free of charge and there would be no expectation to proceed further if you don't feel ready.

I regularly engage with clients via room, online and phone appointments and where appropriate I am also able to offer outdoor therapy options. I have been developing and expanding my ways of working outdoors therapeutically with clients over the last four years. Clients may choose to maintain the same therapy environment, or may wish to explore adding to this as we learn more about the therapy journey.

Over the years I have worked with many individuals who have received a diagnosis of, or whom identify as Autistic; both historically in my work within mental health services and as a therapist in private practice.

My experience as a therapist is informed through the wide range of therapeutic settings I have worked in since 1998; where I have engaged closely in supporting individuals as well as facilitating group-based services within Local Authority, NHS and third sector organisations (detailed CV is available by request). I have supported many individuals struggling with moderate issues or problems, as well as working closely with individuals living with enduring mental health issues or concerns. 

My work as a counselling services manager included providing clinical support to the therapist team, alongside coordinating the running of the service. This has added to my knowledge and commitment around what I understand therapy can achieve; as well as furthering reflection on what has worked well in therapy, from multiple perspectives. 

The ways in which we describe and make sense of our situations are hugely varied. My priority is always to attend to our way of working together; reflecting upon your own unique experience. It is this which underpins my approach at all times. Alongside focusing on our experience as individuals, I am also alerted to and curious about the ways in which our wider environment feeds our experience of ourselves and others; through our relationships with our cultures, technologies and our material realities.  

In an initial session you will have the opportunity to find out about what therapy might be like for you, and this will help both of us decide whether to proceed with further sessions. It is important you feel able enough to begin a process in which you are likely to experience uncertainty - it is working through this together that often becomes a meaningful element or stage in therapy. You may currently feel unsure as to how many sessions would be useful for you, and this is understandable. It is through engaging in a process with a counsellor that you will be more able to answer this question. Your own decision making in therapy, and my capacity to support you in this, is a vital ingredient to the work; towards recovery, authenticity, and positive change.

If you are interested in either arranging an initial session or just to speak on the phone at this stage, please contact me. If I’m not able to answer please leave a telephone number and I'll be in touch to discuss things further with you.

Thank you