Michael Deeney

My name is Michael Deeney. Beginning counselling can feel like a significant step, especially if you are used to coping alone. I offer a calm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can pause and explore your experiences at a manageable pace.

My core approach is person-centred. I respect your autonomy and recognise that you understand your own life better than anyone else. I will not tell you what decisions to make. Instead, we will work collaboratively to deepen your self-understanding, recognise your strengths and explore meaningful change.

The therapeutic relationship is central to my work. I offer empathy, honesty, acceptance and consistency so that trust can develop safely. This may take time, particularly if you have experienced trauma, loss, rejection or difficult relationships. You will not be pressured to discuss anything before you feel ready.

I work in a trauma-informed way, considering how experiences may have affected your emotions, relationships, sense of safety and coping. Anxiety, avoidance, emotional numbness, anger, perfectionism or people-pleasing may be understandable protective responses. Counselling can provide a steady place to explore these patterns with compassion.

Where appropriate, I integrate CBT-informed ideas and practical strategies. We may explore connections between thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviour, alongside grounding or emotional regulation techniques adapted to your needs.

I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. My practice reflects trustworthiness, autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and self-respect. I work ethically and within my competence, supported by clinical supervision, reflective practice and continuing professional development.

I value equality, diversity and inclusion. My hope is that counselling will help you feel less alone, more emotionally anchored and better able to trust your own voice as you move forward.

I provide individual counselling in a calm, confidential setting where you can step back from everyday pressures, explore what is happening and find a clearer way forward.

My practice respects your dignity, autonomy and right to make informed choices. My approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, with CBT-informed strategies used where appropriate. Counselling is tailored to you rather than delivered as a fixed programme. We will agree on the focus and pace together and review this as your needs develop.

Sessions give you space to talk openly without judgement. I will listen carefully, seek to understand your perspective and offer reflections to help you explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences. You may want to recognise recurring patterns, strengthen boundaries or develop ways of coping with difficult feelings.

Where helpful, we may examine connections between thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviour. Grounding and emotional regulation techniques may be introduced with your agreement. Your consent and emotional safety will remain central. You will not be pressured to explore anything before you feel ready.

People may seek counselling for anxiety, stress, low mood, trauma, grief, anger, loneliness, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties or life changes. You may have a clear concern, or simply feel overwhelmed or unsure of your direction. Counselling can offer a steady place to pause, understand what you are carrying and reconnect with your strengths.

Before therapy begins, we will establish an agreement covering confidentiality and its limits, informed consent, boundaries, appointments, fees, cancellations, records, data protection and how concerns may be raised.

I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I aim to promote your wellbeing, avoid harm, act fairly and honestly, and practise within my competence. My work is supported by clinical supervision.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to meet, explore what has brought you to counselling and consider what you would like from therapy. It offers a calm space to pause, take stock and begin finding a way forward.

You do not need to prepare anything, know exactly what to say or disclose your entire history. We will proceed at a pace that respects your autonomy and safety.

I will complete an initial assessment collaboratively with you. This may include questions about your current concerns, wellbeing, relevant history, relationships, support network and previous counselling. I may also ask about medication, other services and concerns involving risk, safeguarding or personal safety.

The assessment is not a test. It helps me understand your circumstances and decide whether I can offer appropriate support within my competence. You can ask questions or tell me if there is something you are not ready to discuss.

We will review the therapeutic agreement, including confidentiality and its limits, boundaries, data protection, appointments, fees, cancellations and how concerns may be raised. I will explain when information may need to be shared, particularly if there is a serious risk of harm, a safeguarding concern or a legal requirement. Wherever possible, I would discuss this with you first.

We can identify what you hope may change. Some clients arrive with clear goals; others feel overwhelmed or uncertain and need a steady place to understand their experiences. Both are valid starting points, and your goals can be reviewed as therapy develops.

This session allows you to experience how I work and consider whether I am the right counsellor for you. There is no pressure to commit immediately to ongoing sessions.

My work reflects the BACP principles of trustworthiness, autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and self-respect. Before the session ends, we will reflect on how it felt, discuss support needs and agree on the next step.