Jonathan Hepworth

The Examined Life Counselling, Coaching and Consulting will be closed for the month of June 2026.

I am available for new clients from 1st July 2026, individuals (£50) and couples (£70). 

I am also a qualified Counselling Supervisor.

I work flexibly and can offer times outside of 9-5.

I have an office which is a safe, accessible space, on the ground floor with free parking close by, and on a main bus route.

Hi, my name is Jonathan. I have 30 years of experience in the NHS and allied agencies working as a specialist in mental health. I am a qualified and registered counsellor with a background in social work, psychology, sociology and philosophy. I have years of experience in supporting people through challenging times. 

Areas of expertise include: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, bereavement and complex grief, trauma, family issues.

I can help you to learn more helpful and skilful ways to manage your emotions and to understand your behaviour and the behaviour of others, thereby enabling you to develop more confidence and competence in dealing with challenging emotions and difficult situations.

I combine a Person-Centred Approach, with non-judgement, warmth and empathic understanding, and I incorporate psychodynamic understanding, as well as aspects of Existential Therapy. I find that a flexible, pluralistic approach develops trust and full client engagement. I collaborate with you fully, with a process of ongoing review and reflection to ensure that the counselling is of benefit to you. I value feedback and encourage personal autonomy and empowerment in the therapeutic relationship.

I have lived experience of working with adults, children and young people who are experiencing acute and chronic mental ill-health, both in hospital and community settings.

I offer non-judgement, empathy, compassion and confidentiality.

I work face-to-face in Holmfirth/Meltham, West Yorkshire, and also work online or by phone.

My focus is on building a therapeutic relationship with the people I work with and flexibly adapting my interventions to each individual, or couple, with regard to their unique character and needs.

My focus is on the interpersonal aspects of human experience, with an emphasis on understanding the importance of relationships for a healthy and fulfilling life; this includes your relationship with others and with yourself.

I can help you to learn more helpful and skilful ways to manage your emotions and to understand your behaviour and the behaviour of others, thereby enabling you to develop more confidence and competence in dealing with challenging emotions and difficult situations.

I combine a Person-Centred Approach, with non-judgement, warmth and empathic understanding, and I incorporate psychodynamic understanding, as well as aspects of Existential Therapy. I find that a flexible, pluralistic approach develops trust and full client engagement. I collaborate with you fully, with a process of ongoing review and reflection to ensure that the counselling is of benefit to you. I value feedback and encourage personal autonomy and empowerment in the therapeutic relationship.

I work inclusively with adolescents and adults from all walks of life and am passionate about helping people to move towards greater well-being to lead more fulfilling and connected lives, with enhanced understanding and experience.

I have experience in supporting people to understand and manage anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, low confidence, bereavement, grief, feelings of sadness and loneliness. I have helped people who are or have experienced trauma, experiences of acute change and loss, and existential crises that arise at times of difficulty, such as changes in roles, challenges with relationships, difficulties in work and life more generally.

What you can expect

Respect, sensitivity, understanding and compassion

A no-cost initial telephone consultation lasting about 15 minutes

If I am unable to take you on as a client I  will assist you to find suitable support

After your initial assessment

We will agree to meet: either in person, online or over the phone

I offer face to face sessions in Meltham, near Huddersfield (HD9)

We will agree on a contract and establish the important boundary of confidentiality

hello@theexaminedlife.consulting | 07752 287202

I offer online and face-to-face sessions. Supervision is usually 90 minutes, but this can be flexed to meet individual needs.

I will be unavailable for the month of June, open to new enquiries from July 1st 2026

I have over 30 years of clinical experience working in specialised mental health services, as a counsellor/therapist, frontline social worker, probation officer, as a clinical supervisor to colleagues in a range of professions in CMHTs, inpatient psychiatric services, including forensic units, prisons and probation. I currently work in private practice as a counsellor and as a specialist mental health consultant and as a coach.

My counselling practice offers and integrative approach. I utilise a range of modalities including: Person Centred, Psychodynamic, Existential Therapy, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness.

Whilst experience is important, ultimately I agree with Irvin D Yalom that "It's the relationship that heals". My practice is focussed on building connection and understanding, supporting, mentoring, gently challenging.

In supervision we will work using the Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision. This is a model which looks at seven specific aspects of the triad relationship of Supervision: The Client - The Therapist - The Supervisor.

We will explore:

Who the client is.

Your interventions.

Your relationship with the client.

What's going on for you as you work with this client,

Our professional relationship.

What's going on for me as we work together.

Wider issues.

Regardless of where you are in your counselling career, having a supportive, knowledgeable and non-judgemental supervisor will enhance your skills, and we will work collaboratively in the best interest of your clients and your personal and professional development.

Whether you are newly qualified and looking for someone who can help you with your first steps as a professional counsellor, or a seasoned and experienced therapist looking for a fresh approach and new challenges, if you'd like to connect to see if we would be able to develop an excellent working alliance, please contact me to arrange a meet up face to face or online.

Whilst experience is important, ultimately I agree with Irvin D Yalom that "It's the relationship that heals". My practice is focussed on building connection and understanding, supporting, mentoring, gently challenging.

In supervision we will work using the Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision. This is a model which looks at seven specific aspects of the triad relationship of Supervision: The Client - The Therapist - The Supervisor.

We will explore:

Who the client is.

Your interventions.

Your relationship with the client.

What's going on for you as you work with this client,

Our professional relationship.

What's going on for me as we work together.

Wider issues.

Regardless of where you are in your counselling career, having a supportive, knowledgeable and non-judgemental supervisor will enhance your skills, and we will work collaboratively in the best interest of your clients and your personal and professional development.

Whether you are newly qualified and looking for someone who can help you with your first steps as a professional counsellor, or a seasoned and experienced therapist looking for a fresh approach and new challenges, if you'd like to connect to see if we would be able to develop an excellent working alliance, please contact me to arrange a meet up face to face or online.

I offer a free initial consultation online to potential supervisees.

Sessions are for 90 minutes, but this can be flexed to the needs of the individual. My fee is £75 for 90 minutes for qualified counsellors and £60 for student/trainee counsellors