John Bristow

I offer out of regular hours of face-to-face & online Counselling. 6-9pm Monday to Friday or Weekday Tuesdays and Fridays.

If you’re here, you might be facing challenges or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself and your life. Whatever has brought you to this moment, I’m here to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore, reflect, and grow. My aim is for you to feel truly heard and understood, without judgment, as we work together toward the positive changes you’re seeking.

As an integrative counselor with over a decade of experience in mental health, I bring a flexible approach to therapy, drawing on a range of therapeutic techniques that allow us to tailor each session to your unique needs. I value empathy, understanding, and the belief that healing and growth are possible. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or navigating neurodivergence, I’m here to listen, support, and help you build a path forward.

I work with both adults and young people, drawing from my qualifications, including a BACP Accreditation (2022), CPCAB Level 6 Therapeutic Supervision (2023), and CPCAB Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling (2018). My additional training covers areas such as trauma, domestic abuse, personality disorders, neurodivergence (ASD, ADHD, PDD-NOS), sexual abuse, grief, and more, allowing me to support a wide range of personal challenges with expertise and care.

In partnership with Oxfordshire MIND, I also deliver short courses, combining professional insights with real-world guidance. Whether you're ready to take the first step or are simply considering your options, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Let’s work together to create the future you envision.

Welcome to a space designed for you to feel safe, supported, and understood. As a counselor, I am here to walk with you through life’s challenges, helping you navigate what can sometimes feel overwhelming or unclear. I believe in the power of open-ended, individualized therapy—each person’s journey is unique, and together, we’ll create a path forward that feels authentic and aligned with your goals.

My approach is integrative, meaning I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques and tailor each session to meet your individual needs. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, or simply seeking greater self-understanding, our work will be grounded in empathy, respect, and the belief that healing is possible.

Therapy is a personal journey, and I believe in allowing the time and space for you to set the direction. Whether we’re exploring specific concerns or simply taking time to understand yourself more fully, I’m here to walk alongside you, helping you build resilience, self-acceptance, and clarity.

In our first session, which will last around 50 minutes, we’ll have the chance to explore your situation and what has brought you to counseling. I’ll ask a few questions to get a clearer picture of your needs and goals, and, of course, you’ll have time to ask me any questions you may have about the process.

I’ll also share a bit about my approach and walk you through any essential paperwork, ensuring everything feels comfortable and straightforward.

By the end of our time together, we can reflect on what potential next steps might look like and whether counseling feels like the right path for you. This is a collaborative process, and my goal is for you to leave with a clear understanding of what we both expect as we move forward together.

Please check the website for current availability.

Mon-Fri evening (6-9) and Saturday sessions only.

My formal training as an Integrative Supervisor incorporates a qualification in Therapeutic Supervision at CPCAB Level 6.

With a background in mental health since 2011 I have amassed a wealth of experience in working alongside individuals presenting with a wide range of mental health troubles and difficult life experiences. From complex needs and neuro-diversity to the more common, lower-level mental health difficulties that many of us experience. As well as this, I have a robust understanding of addiction-related issues and interventions through both agency and private re-hab work.

I run a  private practice from the centre of abingdon alongside my day work for Oxfordshire MIND - embeded in children's social care (OCC - Family solutions plus) working with adults that experience mental health difficulties that are under the care of a social worker.

An initial consultation to see if we fit can be had at a reduced rate.

Please reach out for details.