Michael Swales

Maybe you have taken a wrong turn- Or you have broken something and do not know how to repair it - Therapy with me, is focused on understanding the past, gaining clarity about your struggles, and creating a compassionate path towards wholeness. Telling your story in a safe and confidential setting without judgment can be a good start. By working together on what you need, we can create positive changes that lead to the lessening of anxiety and depression with vitality, joy and the freedom to choose rather than react emerging from the work. My relational, experiential approach can help you become aware, empowered and ready to take on what’s next.  I offer both online and face-to-face sessions in London for couples & individuals. I am registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) , I adhere strictly to their ethical standards. My practice is grounded in a deep understanding of relationship dynamics, trauma, and the journey of recovery. My journey into psychotherapy began after experiencing its transformative power first-hand, which shifted my perspective and approach to life. This profound impact motivated me to transition from a career in finance and hospitality to becoming a therapist and coach. My therapeutic framework integrates insights from Psychodynamic, Transpersonal, and Integrative models, enriched by the influential works of Bader-Pearson, Pia Mellody, and Gabor Maté. This approach emphasizes the significance of our relationship with ourselves and its reflection in our interactions with others. In addition to my private practice, I am partnered with various charities and social enterprises, facilitating group therapy for staff & clients. I worked in residential treatment centres for young adults recovering from addiction. My therapeutic approach aims to enhance self-awareness and foster a holistic understanding of how our thoughts, behaviours, and emotions are interconnected. By exploring the relationship between our mental and physical states, we can improve self-esteem, process past traumas, and alleviate anxiety. Therapy with me is experiential, where we identify and work through the emotional barriers that hinder intimacy and explore how past relationships influence current behaviours. This process not only helps in healing trauma but also in letting go of maladaptive coping mechanisms, enabling a more authentic choice-driven life. I utilise an integrative method that draws on the principles of various models including Gestalt, Person-Centred, Transpersonal, and Psychodynamic theories. The essence of our work together lies in building a trusting relationship that facilitates awareness, healing, and transformation. Relationship Therapy I employ a multifaceted approach to address the unique challenges and dynamics of relationships. The foundation of this therapy is the Bader-Pearson Model, which outlines the evolution of relationships through stages—from dependency to separation and individuation. This model emphasises the importance of resolving childhood conflicts to achieve mature, differentiated selves, crucial for the health of the relationship. The therapeutic process is tailored to the needs of each couple and focuses on enhancing communication, fostering understanding, and building trust. We explore how unresolved issues from each partner's past can influence current interactions and relationship patterns. By bringing these unconscious influences to light, couples can develop greater empathy for each other and a deeper understanding of their mutual needs. Our sessions are designed to help partners identify and articulate their feelings, needs, and expectations. We use various techniques such as role-playing, active listening exercises, and conflict-resolution strategies to help couples develop healthier ways of relating to each other. These tools are vital for breaking old patterns and establishing new, more constructive behaviours. Moreover, we address specific issues such as intimacy, co-dependency, trust, and respect—all crucial elements that contribute to the emotional depth and resilience of a relationship. Our goal is to help couples navigate through crises and empower them to build a robust foundation for a long-term, fulfilling partnership. Couples Counselling with me is a collaborative and dynamic process. It is designed to facilitate not just the resolution of conflicts but also to celebrate and enhance the strengths of the relationship. By creating a safe, non-judgmental space, couples can explore and grow together, finding ways to reconnect and rekindle the passion and love that brought them together. Whether addressing day-to-day challenges or more profound relational issues, our therapy sessions are committed to promoting respect, affection, and mutual growth.   Contact me by phone or email to book an introductory session.