My Story: From Rock Bottom to Helping Other Men Rebuild
Real experience. Real understanding. Real support for men.
Before I became a counsellor, I was a man trying to survive my own struggles.
I have personally experienced addiction, homelessness, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship breakdowns, and periods of deep loneliness where it felt like I had no support at all. There was even a time when my pain became so overwhelming that I attempted to take my own life. It was the darkest moment of my life, and it made me realise just how urgent it is for men to have someone to talk to who truly understands.
I know what it feels like to be scared, vulnerable, and unsure where to turn.
Many men experience these struggles silently. We’re often taught to keep going, stay strong, and deal with things on our own. But carrying everything alone can become exhausting.
I have been in that place myself.
And I also know that change is possible.
Why I Do This Work
My journey through those experiences is one of the reasons I became a counsellor.
My approach is shaped not only by professional training but by life experience. Because I’ve walked through difficult times myself, including facing thoughts of ending my life,
I understand how important it is to be heard without judgment.
When clients sit with me, they are not speaking to someone who has only studied mental health from textbooks. They are speaking to someone who understands struggle from both a professional and personal perspective.
This allows me to meet clients with honesty, authenticity, and genuine compassion.
16 Years Supporting People on the Frontline
Alongside my own recovery journey, I spent 16 years working on the frontline of social care, specialising in addiction support, housing services, and homelessness support.
During that time, I worked with people facing complex challenges including substance misuse, trauma, housing instability, and mental health crises.
I supported individuals rebuilding their lives from the ground up, people navigating relapse, grief, loss, and moments when everything felt like it was falling apart.
This experience gave me a deep understanding of how life circumstances, environment, and mental health are closely connected.
Real change doesn’t come from theory alone. It comes from feeling understood, supported, and having practical tools to move forward.
My Approach to Counselling Men
Many men struggle in silence.
Pressure from work, relationships, family expectations, or past experiences can build up over time and lead to anxiety, anger, depression, addiction, or feeling disconnected from life.
I provide a grounded, straightforward space where you can:
Talk openly without judgment
Explore difficult thoughts and emotions
Understand patterns in your life
Build emotional resilience
Regain a sense of direction and control
Therapy with me isn’t about complicated jargon or analysing every detail of your life.
It’s about honest conversation, understanding what’s really going on, and finding practical ways to move forward.
Taking that first step should never be considered a moment of weakness instead, it shows the true strength of character.
Issues I Commonly Help Men With
Men often come to counselling for support with:
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and low mood
Addiction and recovery
Relationship breakdowns
Grief and loss
Anger or emotional overwhelm
Feeling stuck, lost, or disconnected
You don’t have to deal with these struggles alone. Moving Forward
Counselling is not about “fixing” you, it’s about helping you understand yourself, uncover patterns, and find ways to move forward with confidence.
From both personal experience and professional practice, I know that change is possible even when it doesn’t feel like it. Over time, you may feel more grounded, self-aware, and able to navigate life in a way that works for you.
Professional Experience and Training
Addiction Counselling & Recovery Support
Over 16 years supporting individuals experiencing substance misuse and recovery challenges.
Housing and Homelessness Support
Extensive experience supporting people affected by housing instability and the impact it has on mental health.
10 Years Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
I combine therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, and Person Centred, to support men dealing with anxiety, trauma, stress, addiction, grief and major life transitions.
Start the Conversation
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling with things you’ve been carrying alone, counselling can help.
Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness.
It’s a sign that you’re ready for things to change.
If you’re looking for men’s mental health counselling, addiction support, or a place where you can speak honestly without judgment, I invite you to get in touch.
Taking the First Step Toward Support
Considering counselling is a powerful and positive step forward. If you’re ready to begin exploring your thoughts, feelings, or challenges, I invite you to reach out. Starting a conversation in a supportive space can lead to greater clarity, emotional resilience, and overall well-being.
Safe and Confidential Online Counselling
I offer secure online therapy sessions in a private, confidential setting, allowing you to engage in counselling from the comfort of your own home or chosen safe space. Whether you prefer video or phone sessions, all communication is encrypted to ensure your privacy is fully protected.
My counselling approach is grounded in:
Active listening
Empathy and emotional sensitivity
Respect for your pace and personal experience
A non-judgmental, collaborative environment
Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and identify practical ways to support your mental and emotional health. You don’t have to face your difficulties alone — counselling provides the space to reflect, gain new perspectives, and work towards healing and growth.
A Trusted, Confidential Space Wherever You Are
As a fully qualified, registered, and experienced counsellor, I take confidentiality and ethical care seriously. Your thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences will be treated with the utmost respect and protected by professional standards and data security protocols.
Whether you're dealing with:
Anxiety, stress, or overthinking
Depression or low mood
Addiction or recovery support
Grief and loss
Relationship issues or emotional overwhelm
…you are welcome here.