My Story: From Rock Bottom to Helping Other Men Rebuild
Real experience. Real understanding. Real support.
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.
But this space is not about my story; it is about creating a place where you can explore yours safely, without judgement. My experiences have shaped the counsellor I am today, but your journey, your struggles and your hopes are what matter most when we work together. 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.
Psychotherapeutic Counsellor: I work integratively, drawing on Person-Centred Therapy alongside CBT-informed and DBT-informed approaches where appropriate to the individual client.
16-year working background in the Addictions, Homelessness, and Mental Health Charities
Alongside my own recovery journey, I spent 16 years working in a career in social care, addictions, mental health, and homelessness charities
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.
Professional Experience and Training
Professional Experience, Training & Qualifications
Addiction Counselling & Recovery Support
I have over 16 years’ professional experience supporting individuals affected by substance misuse, addiction and recovery, giving me an understanding of the emotional, psychological and practical challenges that can accompany change and recovery.
Housing, Homelessness & Mental Health Support
I have extensive professional experience supporting people affected by homelessness, housing instability and complex life circumstances, including the impact these experiences can have on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
I am a qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and NCPS Accredited Registrant, with 10 years of psychotherapeutic counselling experience – My practice is Person-Centred and integrative. Where appropriate, I draw on CBT-informed techniques, DBT-informed skills, psychoeducation and practical therapeutic tools to support clients with anxiety, stress, addiction, grief and major life transitions.
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression and low mood, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, addiction and recovery, anger, stress, low self-esteem, low confidence and emotional overwhelm.
Counselling & Therapeutic Qualifications
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills – NCFE
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies – CPCAB
Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Dip PC)
Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Ad Dip PC)
DBT Essentials (APT)
Mindfulness Diploma – Centre of Excellence
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Diploma – Centre of Excellence
Reiki Training
Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki – First Degree
Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki – Second Degree
Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki – Master Level
Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki – Master Teacher
Professional Standards
I am an NCPS Accredited Registrant and work in accordance with the NCPS Code of Ethical Practice. I undertake regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development (CPD), maintain appropriate professional insurance and hold a current enhanced DBS certificate.
My NCPS registration and accreditation relate to my counselling and psychotherapy practice. My Reiki training and Reiki practice are separate and are offered as an adjunctive wellbeing practice.
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 that first step should never be considered a moment of weakness
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 online counselling sessions in a private, confidential setting, so you can access counselling from the comfort of your home or another suitable private space. Whether you prefer video or telephone sessions, I take reasonable steps to use appropriate technology and protect your privacy and confidentiality.
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 space to reflect, gain new perspectives, and work toward 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
Taking that first step should never be considered a moment of weakness instead, it shows the true strength of character.
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.
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 space to reflect, gain new perspectives, and work toward 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.