Max Gillespie

I offer a soulful approach to therapy grounded in the latest psychological theory. 

​Often, it may seem that much of modern psychological therapy merely ruffles and reorganises the surface of the things that trouble us, seeing people who are experiencing psychological suffering as complex machines to which we can apply a set psychological theories. In contrast, after 20years of working as a psychological therapist, I believe it's more appropriate to approach clients as 'souls' in need of hearing, healing, connection, meaning, and renewal.

​Within this spirit, and resulting from my many years of experience of working as a psychological therapist, psychological therapy service manager, and clinical supervisor; working therapeutically with a broad range of therapeutic material; hospice and bereavement end of life, trauma (including severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder such torture and sexual violence), physical, psychological, emotional and mental, and spiritual forms of abuse, substance-misuse, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and many other complex clinical presentations, I offer long-term open-ended therapy, and can also provide brief psychological interventions. I offer therapy at the depth needed to affect true healing rather than mere symptom control.

Practice description: I have a passion for working therapeutically; I’m not ashamed to call it a calling. People come to therapy for many reasons, but whatever their particular reason, there’s usually an intense need for connection and a hope for a deep renewal. This being so, I feel it a privilege to share in people's journeys.

​Towards this end, as well as offering person-centred psychological therapy, I have come to appreciate the deep healing and renewal that can come from an approach to therapeutic healing that embraces the body, breath, meditation, and mindful awareness as it is understood from many ‘traditional cultures’ (My experience is with techniques taken from sharmanistic and Indio-Tibetan Buddhist traditions). When combined with, and underpinned by, a deep understanding of the possibilities of the life enhancing qualities of the therapeutic relationship, healing can be more than just a return to 'normal', rather, it can be a journey to a new way of being in the world.

Prior to our first session, I offer a free, and relaxed, Zoom consultation to explore if we are the right match; choosing the right therapist is essential and a big commitment!  I will give you the space best conducive for you to find your own pace. We will get to know each other a little, and I may ask gentle questions that allow me to get a full understanding of what brought you to seek therapy 

​Client's reviews:

"During almost ten years of serious mental health issues due to my military service, I had been unable to find the help that I needed. I had seen dozens of councillors, therapists and psychologists without any significant improvement. My confidence and self-esteem were at rock bottom and I was struggling with every aspect of my life. I met Max Gillespie while my wife was in the final stages of cancer and he helped me through the grief after her death. He was the first person I had been able to connect with about my mental health and begin to trust. In the following two years Max has not only helped me to deal with my grief, but also helped me to address all of my other mental health issues including those attributed to the military. I have regained my confidence, I am achieving great things and I am the happiest I have been for many years. Max is extremely professional and tailored his counselling to my needs. He was able to lift me from the lowest points of my life and helped me to rebuild my life, I couldn’t recommend him highly enough." S