John Hickman

I offer online and in person sessions,  weekdays, evenings and weekends are available 

Reaching out for support can be one of the hardest steps to take. I understand that because I’ve experienced my own struggles with mental health, including depression and feeling unable to talk about what I was going through. Those experiences inspired me to become a counsellor and continue to shape the empathy, understanding and compassion I bring to my work today.

You don’t need a diagnosis, or to be experiencing depression or anxiety, to ask for support. Sometimes you may simply feel overwhelmed, stuck, lost, or like something just isn’t quite right. You might want to understand yourself better, improve your relationships, build confidence, or have a safe space where you can talk openly without judgement.

Counselling isn’t just about getting through difficult times, it’s also about personal growth, self-awareness and living more authentically.

I work from a person centred approach, which means I believe you are the expert in your own life. Rather than giving advice or telling you what to do, I offer a genuine, accepting and non judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. Together, we’ll build a trusting therapeutic relationship that supports you in finding your own answers and moving towards the life you want to live.

While I work with adults experiencing a range of issues, I have a particular interest in men’s mental health. I know how difficult it can be for many men to ask for help. Society often teaches men to stay strong, keep going and deal with problems alone, which can leave them suffering in silence. My aim is to offer a space where you don’t have to wear a mask or pretend everything is okay. You can simply be yourself.

I believe that effective counselling begins with a genuine human connection. My aim is to provide a warm, welcoming and confidential space where you feel comfortable enough to talk openly, without fear of judgement or criticism.

Every person is unique, so I don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. Working from a person centred perspective, our sessions will be guided by your individual needs, your experiences and what feels important to you.

I have a particular passion for supporting men with their mental health. I understand that reaching out can be incredibly difficult, especially when you’ve spent years believing you should cope alone. My hope is to provide a space where you can put those expectations aside, speak honestly and begin to understand yourself with compassion rather than judgement.

Therapy isn’t about being given advice or being told what to do. Instead, I’ll walk alongside you, listening with empathy, helping you explore your thoughts and feelings, recognise patterns and discover your own strengths and resilience.

I offer an initial 30 minute consultation, free of charge, either online or by telephone. This gives us the opportunity to talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you’re hoping to gain from therapy, and whether we feel we’re the right fit to work together.

If you decide to continue, our first full session will focus on getting to know you. We’ll complete a gentle assessment together, discuss your counselling agreement, answer any questions you may have, and begin exploring what has brought you to therapy at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

There is no pressure to share everything straight away. Building trust takes time, and I believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful change. My aim is to create a safe, accepting and non judgemental space where you can begin to feel heard, understood and supported.

Whether you’re seeking support with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, bereavement, life challenges, or men’s mental health, we’ll work together in a way that feels right for you.