Michael has a person-centred philosophy at the core of his practice; he works in a non-directive way, inviting clients to discuss the issues that they feel are most important and at their own pace.
Michael believes that significant relationships throughout our lives have a large impact on our sense of self and that experience of not ‘good enough’ relations can negatively affect this, causing potential problems in later life.
Clients are also free to work in a more structured approach and explore the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Above all, Michael hopes to provide a safe, honest and secure relationship to clients in which they may wish to look at their patterns (positive and negative) of relating to others.
Michael has worked with clients from minority and ethnic groups across local charities and based his dissertation on looking at the impact of sexuality on identity, particularly in the LGBT community. As a support worker Michael has worked with clients experiencing difficulties with transgender identity as well as individuals with learning disabilities and mental health diagnosis.
Qualifications
Michael is a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and is moving toward accreditation status.
Professional Background
Michael has experience of working with clients on a wide range of issues including bereavement, substance and alcohol misuse, anxiety, and self-harm. He has worked with clients in both short and long-term work across these services.