Hello, my name is Chris and I'm an experienced Counselling Psychotherapist. I’ll offer you a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to explore a present difficulty.  Have a scroll down to learn about the benefits of counselling/therapy, find a little bit about me and how I work.  Wherever you are in the world we can still work together.

We are living in unprecedented times...which feels a bit of an understatement! Through Lockdown my face-to-face practice in Leeds has been closed but I am still working with many clients online and by phone, and clients find this a really valuable way to experience therapy. You are very welcome to get in touch if you’d like to enquire about how this might work for you.

If you’re considering therapy, counselling or a bit of support for the first time you are very welcome to get in touch and ask as many questions as you like. You can give me a call or email to arrange a short phone or video call, so you can make sure this is a valuable way to work. 

How can Therapy, Counselling and Psychotherapy help you?

Counselling, Psychotherapy and Therapy are interchangeable words used to describe experienced professional talking support that helps you to navigate and make sense of your thoughts or when a life situation is becoming overwhelming. I use the term ’therapy’ to describe what I do.

I recently read something which I think really sums up how beneficial therapy can be;

‘Something incredible happens when you open up to another human who you click with and who is trained to listen and support.’

So how will I work with you? I will accept you exactly as you are and try to see the world through your eyes. I’ll listen to you, offer you the time and space you need to find the answers you are looking for. I won’t judge you, critique you, tell you what to do, think or say, or who you should be and I’ll always be completely authentic with you. I’ll always meet you positively so you can be the real you; and together we’ll explore the stuff that isn’t making sense or feels uncomfortable so you can navigate towards new insights and perspectives. I’ll collaborate with you so you can find a better way of relating to yourself, others or situations which you might be finding challenging.

No amount of words can ever truly describe who we are and, even though we share many experiences with others, our experience is uniquely our own, so the way I work is flexible; I meet you as an individual, helping you to better understand yourself and find your own unique way of making the changes you wish to have in your life. We will work together in a way that suits you, working at your pace to identify, explore and resolve the things that concern you or cause distress. Your wellbeing will always be my priority when we are working together.

I appreciate how difficult it can be to take the first steps towards seeking help or meeting a new therapist. Equally, I know just how important it is to feel comfortable with the person you choose as your therapist. A good way forward is an initial consultation which is an opportunity to meet, talk, ask questions and decide if I’m the right therapist for you. There is no obligation to book any further sessions unless it feels absolutely right and only you will make that decision.

About Me

I am an experienced (jargon alert!) Integrative Counselling Psychotherapist working relationally. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) and follow a strict code of conduct and ethics. I have extensive experience of working therapeutically across a broad range of issues including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems/difficulties, men’s problems, trauma, problematic alcohol and substance/drug behaviour.

My clients are people from all walks of life and I have significant experience of working therapeutically with clients from the music, live events and other creative industries.

I also have considerable experience of working with students in university settings and, along side my private practice, I am Lead Counsellor/Wellbeing Officer at a university. I am experienced in working with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Asperger and SEND diagnoses.

I believe an important aspect of therapy is the relationship which develops between the client and therapist- you and me- so it really doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are, where you come from, what industry you work in; I am on your side, I will ‘have your back’ so we can develop a strong, therapeutic relationship in which we can work together to create the changes you’d like to make.

My therapeutic work covers a few areas; I’ve spent several years as the lead wellbeing/Counsellor in a university and I lecture in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Leeds Beckett University.  I’m also an accredited Mental Health First Aid (England) Instructor, a therapeutic service provider for the charities BAPAM and Music Support, a member of Help Musicians UK charity’s Health and Welfare Advisory Board and former Chair of Trustees at MAP Charity, a Leeds based organisation working with young people (11-16) at risk of exclusion from mainstream education. 

Prior to retraining as a therapist, I worked in the music industries for over 20 years.