Maximillian Gibbs

I offer in-person, online, or phone counselling sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

Please get in touch to discuss current availability.

Seeking support isn't always easy, and choosing the right therapist can feel like an important decision. I offer a calm, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about whatever is on your mind, knowing you will be met with empathy and respect. People often describe me as calm, patient and easy to talk to, and I believe feeling heard and understood can be an important foundation for change.

My passion for supporting others has developed through both personal and professional experiences. Having benefited from support during difficult times in my own life, I know how valuable it can be to have a space where you feel heard, understood and supported.

Alongside my counselling practice, I have spent over a decade working in student support and welfare roles at the University of Manchester. Supporting people through periods of challenge and uncertainty has been a central part of my professional life and continues to inform my therapeutic work. I continue to work with the University of Manchester's Counselling Service and have previously worked with Manchester Mind, supporting adults experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties.

I have a particular interest in addiction, alcohol use, substance misuse and harm reduction. Alongside my counselling work, I have completed training within drug and alcohol services, supported work within a rehabilitation setting and currently contribute to the Greater Manchester Gambling Harms Steering Group. I am interested in supporting both individuals experiencing addiction-related difficulties and those affected by a partner, family member or loved one's addiction.

I completed a Level 7 BACP-accredited Counselling and Psychotherapy training programme and am currently completing my research dissertation.

Outside of work, I enjoy exercise, meditation, reflection, time outdoors and lifelong learning. I believe that caring for both mind and body is an important part of living a balanced and fulfilling life.

I work in an integrative way, meaning that I draw upon a range of therapeutic approaches and tailor therapy to your individual needs, circumstances and goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all model.

Building a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship is central to my work. I believe that being able to talk openly and honestly, without fear of judgement, can be an important part of understanding ourselves and moving towards change. Together, we can explore your thoughts, feelings, relationships and experiences, helping you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and make sense of what is happening in your life.

I view therapy as a collaborative process. We will explore what has brought you to therapy, what you would like to gain from our work together, what has helped or perhaps not helped in the past, and what feels important for us to focus on moving forward.

People come to therapy for many different reasons. You may be struggling with a specific issue, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, experiencing difficulties in relationships, or simply sensing that something isn't quite right. Whatever has brought you here, I aim to provide a supportive space where we can explore it together. I don't believe that people need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Sometimes counselling can provide a valuable opportunity to reflect, develop greater self-awareness and better understand ourselves and our relationships.

My approach is informed not only by my counselling training but also by many years of supporting people through periods of difficulty, uncertainty and transition. While I cannot remove life's challenges, I aim to provide a space where they can be explored, understood and navigated with greater clarity.

I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation before arranging an initial session. This gives us an opportunity to discuss what has brought you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and consider whether we feel like a good fit to work together.

During the first session, we will explore what has led you to seek therapy, any relevant background information, and what you hope to gain from counselling. There is no expectation to share everything straight away, and we will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

The first session is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of how I work and decide whether you feel comfortable working with me. Finding the right therapist is important, and there is no pressure to commit to ongoing therapy following our initial meeting.