Michael Walker

I currently offer face to face, telephone or online sessions. We can discuss your preferences when making your appointment. 

I qualified as a counsellor in 2007 and became accredited with the BACP in 2010. My life experience also includes lived experience  (and work experience) of Depression, Anxiety, Addiciton and ADHD. My practice is also informed by neuroscience training in order to make sense of the above conditions and 'disorders'.

I am currently offering face to face, telephone or online video sessions.

I provide Integrative Counselling which aims at helping you identify the main feelings you are experiencing and explore your relationship with them and understand what you are currently experiencing

Sometimes clients just want to know what is happening in their life and this is enough for them at this point in time. Others might want to explore the issues deeper which may be a longer term piece of work.

There are so many life events which can lead us down these paths - Bereavement and Grief, loss of self, loss of meaning, relationship difficulties amongst many. I help people identify the feelings they have and make sense of their meaning.

I provide a safe place to explore these aspects and tools to help manage the symptoms and come to terms with the challenges the events bring us. I am aware of the effects of childhood trauma and work to help my clients make sense of a world that has often become challenging and confusing.

Client have fedback to me that I am easy to talk to, they felt safe, heard and understood. They have gained more understanding of the issue and ways to deal with it in a healthier way. More feedback can be viewed on my website.

I believe the relationship we make is of utmost importance. I work in a Person-Centred Integrative way, building a relationship with you at the centre. I have experience of working with common mental health conditions such as Anxiety and Depression, Mindfulness, Addictions and Recovery support. I also have lived experience and know that recovery is possible. I work in a creative way helping you build on your resources to give more opportunity to manage the difficulties you may be experiencing.

The first session is about having a confidential conversation to see what your needs are. Some people may call this an assessment.

The conversation will be aimed at understanding you current situation, any history of therapy, mental/physical health diagnosis or medication.

It is important that we know you can keep safe whilst we have therapy as it is more likely that uncomfortable feelings may increase as therapy takes place and we may need to discuss and agree a safety plan.

We may also discuss any external support that have (family, friends, neighbours, colleagues) to ensure this can be utilised to help support you on your journey.

I appreciate and honour the need for confidentiality and understand this is something you may not be comfortable in talking to other about which we can explore if needed.

As part of this conversation we may also look at immediate techniques to help bring a sense of balance in life. 

You can then decide if you feel you would like to continue.