Adam Walker is a therapist in Weybridge

What attracted you to become a therapist?

For over twenty years, my work was in corporate management and coaching, and I was always most interested in the human side — the patterns people repeated and the stories they carried.

At the same time, I was facing my own challenges. Therapy gave me the space to look at my belief systems and understand how my patterns had developed. What struck me was that therapy wasn’t about being rescued or having someone provide the answers — it was about working together in a way that allowed me to see myself more clearly.

I found Transactional Analysis especially accessible, as it helped me make sense of myself in a practical and meaningful way. That experience led me to retrain as a therapist, so I could offer others the same opportunity to explore and grow.

Where did you train? 

I trained for four years at the Connexus Institute in Brighton, specialising in Transactional Analysis psychotherapy. I’m accredited with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and a registered member of UKATA, with my practice regulated under the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) framework.

Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise? 

The foundation of my practice lies in Transactional Analysis (TA), which examines how our early experiences shape our beliefs about ourselves and others. These beliefs often persist into adulthood and can manifest as distressing feelings or unhelpful behaviours. In therapy, I explore the origins of these patterns and whether they still make sense today.

I also incorporate ideas from polyvagal theory, which helps individuals understand how their nervous system responds to stress and feelings of safety. This understanding can make it easier to feel calmer, more connected, and more grounded in daily life.

My approach is to meet clients where they are and support them in developing a stronger sense of self. For many, that involves making sense of their reactions, finding more freedom in relationships, and cultivating a kinder view of themselves. I was drawn to TA because it feels practical and accessible, while also creating space for genuine and lasting change.

How does Transactional Analysis help with symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety can often feel sudden or hard to explain, but in Transactional Analysis I look at what’s driving it beneath the surface — usually early beliefs, pressures, or fears that still affect us today. By understanding these patterns, clients can see why anxiety shows up the way it does and begin to respond differently. Alongside this, learning ways to calm the nervous system helps anxiety feel more manageable, so it no longer takes over in the same way.

What sort of people do you usually see?

I work with adults from many different backgrounds. The main issues people bring are anxiety, depression, ADHD, and low self-esteem.

I also see clients during times of transition — changes in work, relationships, or family life — when they seek space to reflect and find their way forward. Others come with experiences such as grief or remorse.

I see both individuals and couples, and the work often centres on how patterns emerge in relationships — whether with partners, family, friends, or colleagues.

Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude? 

I’ve seen more men starting to come to therapy, which is encouraging, though there’s still work to do in making it feel normal. Men often carry expectations to cope alone or to “get on with it,” so it’s a positive step that more are beginning to see therapy as a place where they can talk openly.

Another change is the rise of AI in mental health — from apps that send affirmations to chatbots offering advice. While these tools can be helpful in ways, there’s a risk they discount the real value of therapy by suggesting a machine can replace human contact. What truly matters is being seen and understood by another person. That experience can’t be replicated by technology, and it remains central to lasting change.

What do you like about being a therapist?

I value the chance to sit with people as they make sense of their lives. It takes honesty and courage to share that process, and I find it rewarding to see clients begin to notice new perspectives and possibilities for themselves.

What is less pleasant?

There are times when the work feels emotionally heavy, especially when someone is in deep distress. It’s natural to want to take that pain away, but therapy isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about gently supporting someone as they build their own sense of self. My role is to stay alongside them with care, hold the space, and support them in finding their own way forward.

How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?

I joined Welldoing recently, and what struck me straight away is how different it feels from other directory sites. It doesn’t just list therapists — it makes it easier for clients to find the right fit.

I haven’t yet attended the CPD sessions or peer groups, but I see these as a beneficial resource for therapists to have access to. That balance of professionalism and community makes Welldoing a valuable platform to be part of.

What books have been important to you in terms of your professional and personal development? Do you ever recommend books to clients? 

This is a thought-provoking question, as I’ve often struggled to fully engage with books — possibly due to my own undiagnosed ADHD. Therapy has helped me understand this about myself, and it’s meant that I process learning in different ways, often through conversation, practice, and experience.

That said, a few books have been particularly influential:

• Games People Play by Eric Berne — Rooted in Transactional Analysis and human relationships
• Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer — a practical guide to understanding and working with anxiety.
• The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy by Deb Dana — an accessible exploration of how our nervous system shapes safety, connection, and healing.
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk — understanding how trauma lives in both mind and body.

I do occasionally recommend books to clients if I think they’ll be helpful. For instance, Amir Levine’s Attached for exploring relationships, or Gabor Maté’s Scattered Minds for those interested in ADHD. A beautiful and gentle book is “The Book of Charlie” by David Von Drehle — A meaningful exploration of life and what matters most. 

What you do for your own mental health? 

As a therapist, looking after my own mental health is essential. I have regular therapy and supervision, which give me space to reflect and keep my practice grounded. Outside of work, I look after myself by staying active, spending time with family, and making sure I stay connected in ways that support my wellbeing.

You are a therapist in Weybridge, Surrey. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?

My practice is based in Weybridge, Surrey, where I work with clients in person from Weybridge and the surrounding Surrey area, as well as online. I have a diverse client base, ranging from young to older adults. Many clients struggle with anxiety or depression, while others juggle demanding careers and personal commitments. I also support professionals dealing with burnout, as well as people going through significant changes in their work or personal lives.

Some clients want to understand their relationships better or develop a stronger sense of self, while others seek a safe and supportive space to explore long-standing issues.

What’s your consultation room like?

My practice is in a quiet garden room, separate from the main house, surrounded by greenery. It’s light and comfortable, with a sense of calm that helps clients feel at ease. I also work online, offering the same presence and attention virtually.

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

That therapy isn’t about being broken or needing to be fixed. It’s about having a space where you can bring your whole self — the parts that feel clear and the parts that feel confusing or painful — and explore them without fear of judgement. Therapy is a collaborative process, not something done to you. It’s about working together to make sense of your experiences, understand the patterns that may be holding you back, and develop new ways of responding. Over time, this can lead to greater freedom, more choice, and a stronger sense of self.

What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

I realised that many of the rules I thought I had to live by were old beliefs that no longer served me. Some had shaped how I related to others and how I saw myself, often without me realising. Therapy helped me see these patterns more clearly and gave me the choice to do things differently. It showed me that change is possible, even with deeply ingrained beliefs.