Ian Hayes

You may be feeling anxious, that life feels too much - too chaotic or unsafe. You may be feeling depressed, that life feels too little; something to survive rather than to enjoy. You may feel that you're on the wrong track, just doing what pleases others or pays the bills, but unsure of your own needs. 

How you feel might be caused by pressures at work, by relationship problems, or by bereavement. However you feel and whatever the cause, I’m here to help you explore your experience and find a path forward. 

I always treat each session as a meeting between two human beings rather than between therapist and client. People have told me that I make them feel relaxed and that I’m easy to talk to. Everyone’s story is unique so I listen without preconceptions without judgement and in confidence

Most people come to counselling because they want to change something about themselves or their lives. However, you can only change things after you first understand who you truly are and how you really feel.

Without that awareness, it's tempting to fit yourself into a mould of how you think you "should" be. That mould is often shaped by the expectations of your family and friends, rather than what you really want out of life .

I will help you to understand who you really are and what you really want. This will help you to see a clear path forward, rather than being bound by what should be or could have been.

That exploration might be through talking things over with me but if you find that you don’t have the words, or they don’t quite capture your experience, then we can explore other ways of expression, whether that’s through drawing, playing, making or moving.

Whatever works best for you in making you feel grounded, discovering who you really are and what you really want.

I have a Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling from the Metanoia Institute specialising in Gestalt Therapy. 

I’m an individual member of the BACP which means I’m governed by their ethics and guidance in my private practice.

I’m covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance and work under supervision.

I work in a dedicated therapy space near Ealing Broadway.

I’ve worked in business consultancy and market research for over 25 years which means that I understand the stresses of a professional life and the pressures of the commercial world.

I offer a free 15 minute consultation via Zoom or ‘phone which we would use to work out whether I am the best counsellor for your needs.

I would use our first paid session to understand your history and to agree how we should work together.