About Counselling for Couples and Individuals

Hi. I am a warm, experienced and qualified Counsellor working from St Thomas, Exeter. I offer a safe space for men, women, and couples to explore relationships, anxiety issues, family problems, self esteem, depression and other problems - towards resolution, growth and change.
The first appointment is always at low cost, and with no obligation to continue. I offer both short and longer term therapy, depending on the person and their needs.

From my own experience, I know taking a new challenge in life like beginning Therapy can be very scary. Therapy will not provide instant solutions, but I do believe it provides a guided space and time to work towards a happier and more centred person. It might be of thought of as a ’time out’ with a trained counsellor (usually weekly but other times too by arrangement), who is committed to a helpful ’guiding’ process alongside you. The counsellor will not tell you what to do, but through our time together will help to clarify issues and help you make the right decisions for you.

My training, work experience and any achievement

I originally trained in biology and nutrition, then in teaching, and use that training and experience working now as a Counsellor.

After a number of years working with aid agencies overseas, in nutrition and health, in Africa, PNG and the Caribbean, I then trained in psychotherapy, counselling and supervision in London (at Metanoia) - and at the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy in the 1990s, while working as a Senior Lecturere in Health Studies and Nursing at several Universities. I have also had experience working as a University Student Counsellor and at an NHS Alcohol Centre. I have had a private practice in Oxford, Reading, and now in Exeter, for several years.

I work in an intuitive manner, using both transactional analysis and an integrative counselling approach, This encompasses a shared exploration of thinking, feeling and behaving, seeking attunement and harmony.

I have regularly updated my skills and knowledge, including qualification as a Counselling Supervisor, and taking CPD short modules in couples therapy, gestalt and psychodrama.

In my personal life, I am married and we live with our two cats near the River Exe. I bird-watch, walk, engage in Zumba and Tai Chi classes. I am also a Quaker.

Further Information

TESTIMONIALS


NR Exeter - August 2013

I have been in therapy with Michael for some six months, and feel happier and more centred as result. It has been good to be in a safe space to work through both personal and relational issues over this time. I like our work on ’drivers’, like pleasing and trying hard, and how they got in the way my of evolving and growing into a more happy and authentic me.


Mark from Exeter - September 2012

Just wanted to say thanks for the time you’ve spent helping me. It’s really good to get the whole of my family in perspective and not let them get me down any more.
All the best for your new counselling business in Exeter!


Barry and Sue from Oxford

Working with your good self probably kept our marriage together, and certainly helped us to re-focus on our love for one another. Your homework tasks between sessions seemed quirky at the time, but working on them together reminded us of how much we enjoyed doing things together before we lost our way.
Thanks from both of us.


Susie from Reading

As a student in the scary world of university education, our six counselling sessions improved my sense of sense of who I was, my self worth, rather than who others wanted or expected me to be. X