Gordon McIntosh

I am available Monday to Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Each year, I take a 6-week break—2 weeks in August, 2 weeks at Easter, and 2 weeks during the Christmas/New Year period.

Occasionally, I may take additional breaks for conferences or training, but I will always discuss these with you well in advance.

About Me

With over 40 years' experience in mental health care, education, and psychotherapy, I hold a degree in Psychology from London University, postgraduate diplomas from Oxford University and the British Association of Psychotherapists, and an MA in Psychotherapy from Leeds Beckett University. I'm a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

My orientation is primarily Jungian psychodynamic, integrated with other psychological approaches to meet the needs of each client. I have a strong focus on working with young people during key transitions. My background in further and higher education informs a reflective, educative strand in therapy, supporting personal exploration.

In recent years, I’ve deepened my commitment to physical health through regular gym work and movement. This has enhanced my understanding of the mind-body connection. I may invite clients to consider how physical activity—whether walking, yoga, or other forms—could support their emotional life, always with respect for individual capacity and preference.

Whether our work is brief or ongoing, sessions will be guided by your needs and priorities. The process invites your active involvement, respecting that it’s your journey and work.

Services Offered & The Process of Therapy

I offer psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy as the foundation of my work. This involves exploring how past experiences and relationships may continue to shape present thoughts, feelings, and behaviours—often unconsciously.

Though rooted in psychodynamic practice, I adapt to your needs, pace, and preferences, drawing from various methods.

This is not quick-fix therapy. It’s a collaborative and thoughtful process that promotes self-awareness, shifts unhelpful patterns, and supports you in making informed, meaningful choices.

Testimonials from former clients…

“Anyone who has Gordon as their psychotherapist needs to count themselves as very fortunate. With highly intelligent and agile mind and vast experience, he guided me to reconsider how I view many aspects of my life. I consider his passion for his work incredibly important: he is constantly training, researching all aspects of CPD and new fields.

I thought that unhappiness was simply something normal to live with every day. Over the time I saw Gordon, I learned that it isn’t. “.

N.L

“Gordon is an excellent psychotherapist. He helped me immeasurably over some tough times with workplace bullying and the stress of starting new jobs. He’s a skilled listener and remembers details week-to-week which really fosters trust and respect. I would wholeheartedly recommend his warm approach to family and/or friends”.

M.C

“Working with Gordon has been the best investment in myself I could have made. I always thought that I was quite a self-aware person, but he made connections that I simply hadn’t been able to see before and helped me see things from a fresh perspective. His thoughtful analysis has helped me overcome a very tough period of my life. The biggest surprise has been seeing how the changes I have made, have had such a positive effect on those closet to me as well. I will be forever grateful for Gordon’s help”.

J.M

“I attended therapy sessions with Gordon when I needed to work through some childhood issues in the lead up to adopting. The sessions were invaluable to me at that time, and I still think of some of our discussions when I am tackling various parenting issues. I found Gordon to be a great listener and he helped me look at issues from different angles. I have often said that if I hadn’t had the therapy sessions with Gordon before adopting, I might not be so mentally robust when dealing with the challenges that I face as a parent of a traumatised child.”

J.B

“Gordon is a fantastic therapist, calm, helpful, and very compassionate.”

C.S

The first session is a 50-minute assessment. We’ll explore what brings you to therapy, your hopes, any concerns about starting, and other issues you wish to raise. We’ll also discuss practicalities—session times, boundaries, confidentiality, holidays, and cancellations.

I am a fully qualified trainer with a PGCE in post compulsory education and training.  I have taught Health, Social Care, Counselling, Psychology and Early Years Child Care from introductory to level 7 in colleges and universities. 

I have also been a conductor for experiential groups for trainee counsellors. 

I was training manager at the Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture and have engaged inductions, initiated NVQ's and audited internal and external training at all levels.

I am a sole practitioner of psychodynamic therapy and my consulting room is based in Clerkenwell, Islington. 

I am able to audit any training program your organisation may need.  I can also construct a tailored program and deliver and assess as appropriate.