Manu Patel

I am currently taking on new clients.

Availability is flexible, and will depend on the sessions being online or face to face. I am able to offer daytime, evening and weekend sessions and will work with you to find what works best for us both.

The face to face sessions would be in Knowle, West Midlands in discrete premises which are easily accessible by car and bus.

Gravitas Therapy: A Grounded Approach to Change

Gravitas Therapy provides a grounded, compassionate, and steadfast space for those navigating life’s most significant challenges. My practice is built on the core principle that therapy must be as unique as the individual seeking it. I offer a stable foundation to help you move through periods of transition, distress, or personal growth with greater clarity and resilience.

An Integrative Framework

I practice as an Integrative Therapist, which means I do not adhere to a single, rigid school of thought. Instead, I draw from a diverse range of therapeutic frameworks including humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive perspectives. This flexibility allows me to tailor our sessions to your specific history and goals. Whether you are looking to process past trauma, manage current anxieties, or find a way forward through a difficult life change, our work is a collaborative process. We move at a pace that feels safe, restorative, and productive for you.

Specialist Areas of Focus

Life Transitions: 

I offer dedicated support for those experiencing the weight of bereavement, the complexities of divorce, or the profound identity shifts associated with parenthood. I provide a supportive anchor during these periods of flux.

Anxiety & Trauma: 

I provide expert guidance to help you understand the physiological and psychological roots of stress. Together, we develop effective strategies to manage the effects of unresolved trauma and chronic anxiety.

Performance & High-Pressure Environments: 

Drawing on my professional background in the music industry, I have a unique understanding of performance anxiety and the intense pressures of high-stakes environments. I help clients build authentic confidence and navigate the demands of their professional lives.

Crisis De-escalation: 

I am experienced in providing a calm, non-reactive presence for individuals in acute distress or high-pressure situations, offering stability when it is needed most.

What to Expect at Gravitas Therapy

Taking the first step into therapy is a significant decision, often made during a time of personal flux. My aim is to make this process as transparent and supportive as possible. When you choose to work with Gravitas Therapy, you are entering into a professional relationship defined by stability, empathy, and a commitment to your personal growth.

A Safe and Non-Judgmental Space

You can expect a therapeutic environment defined by calm, confidentiality, and mutual respect. Whether we are navigating the complexities of bereavement, the pressures of a high-stakes career, or the weight of past trauma, I provide a steadfast presence. This is a space where you can speak openly about difficult emotions without fear of judgment. The space we share is held with the utmost care, ensuring you have the privacy and security needed to explore your internal world.

The Therapeutic Process

As an integrative therapist, my approach is active and responsive. You can expect a balance of deep, reflective listening and more focused, practical exploration. Some sessions may involve looking at how past experiences shape your present reactions, while others might focus on immediate strategies to manage anxiety or build confidence. We move at a pace that feels safe yet productive, ensuring you are never overwhelmed but always moving toward the clarity you seek. My role is to act as a thought partner, helping you to connect the dots in your own narrative.

Consistency and Reviews

Therapy is most effective when it is consistent. We typically meet once a week at a regular time, which helps to build the trust and momentum necessary for meaningful change. I offer both short-term work for specific transitions and open-ended therapy for deeper exploration. We will periodically review our progress together to ensure that our sessions continue to meet your evolving needs and that you feel empowered and supported throughout

My First Session at Gravitas Therapy

Your first session is a dedicated space for us to begin understanding your world and the reasons you have sought support. It is natural to feel a mix of apprehension and relief when starting therapy; my role is to provide a calm, grounded environment where you can arrive exactly as you are. There is no requirement to have a perfectly formed narrative; the first session is simply about starting the conversation.

The Focus of Our Meeting

During this initial hour, the primary focus is on exploration and connection. We will discuss what has brought you to therapy at this time and what you are currently experiencing. I will listen to your history and the specific challenges you are facing—whether those relate to a major life transition, ongoing anxiety, or professional pressures. This session allows me to understand the "gravitas" of your situation and how my integrative approach can best serve you.

A Two-Way Process

While I will ask questions to help clarify your needs, this session is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of how I work. The relationship between therapist and client is a fundamental part of the process, and it is important that you feel my presence is a good fit for you. You are encouraged to ask questions about my methods, my background in performance coaching, or how we might structure our future work together.

Next Steps

By the end of this session, we will usually have a sense of whether we would like to continue. We might agree on a set number of sessions to focus on a specific crisis, or decide to work on an open-ended basis for deeper exploration. My goal is for you to leave this meeting feeling heard, respected, and with a clearer sense of the path forward. There is no obligation to commit immediately; the most important factor is that you feel empowered to make the right choice for your well-being.