Michael O'Connor

I run my Counselling service through normal working hours during the day from 9am to 4pm 3 days per week and then 2 evenings per week from 5pm until 9pm. 

MY APPROACH

As an Integrative Counsellor, I am trained in a number of different approaches which enables me to work with many different life issues and challenges. Once I understand more about what it’s like to be you, and what’s going on for you right now, I will use the combination of techniques and interventions that I believe will be of most help. I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by their code of ethics in all that I do.

I break my approach down into 3 phases:

1/ RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

Knowing how important it is, I take the time to build a strong client-therapist relationship in all my work.

I won’t judge you and I won’t push you into sharing certain things before you’re ready. I’ll summarise and reflect what I think I’m hearing about your experiences and I’ll offer insights I think might be helpful in your process of change.

2/ IDENTIFYING THEMES, CHALLENGES AND GOALS

From our newly built strong foundation, we can explore what’s getting in the way of you living the way you want to.

I believe strongly that our childhoods play a massive part in shaping who we have become as adults. The relationships that we had, or didn't have, with our caregivers/parents can have long-lasting effects; shaping how we respond to the world and the people in our lives.

By taking a look back we will have the chance to spot patterns, challenge internalised beliefs and prepare to try and change the story.

3/ WORKING THROUGH

With the path laid out ahead of us, we can set off on the journey of change.

Part of that work will be working together to open the doors to uncomfortable things that have been hidden from sight until now.

I will support you in embracing/facing whatever comes up for you. Often it is a process of acknowledging what may have been too hard to understand ‘back then’, how those things affect you now and working on accepting the parts of yourself you’ve denied or repressed.

I don’t underestimate how big, and sometimes daunting, the decision to seek support is for my clients. People come to Counselling with me from all walks of life, and it’s my passion to help them work through their challenges and reach their full potential.

I have worked with many people over the years through many different issues, Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:

Anxiety

Panic attacks

Relationship problems

Grief, loss or bereavement

Addictions: Alcohol, Drugs, Sex, Gambling, Crypto, Gaming, Food

Trauma and post-traumatic stress

Abuse

Depression

Stress

Confidence & self-esteem

Anger management

Issues around sexuality (LGBTQ+)

Life transitions

Problems with family or school life

Because I thinks its very important in my line of work to build trust with my clients, I offer a 15/20mins FREE consolation chat which will either take place online using zoom or whatsApp, over the phone or face to face.