Mark Dixon

I offer flexible appointments, including weekends and evening sessions, with online appointments available as late as 9pm. I understand that fitting counselling around work, family and other commitments isn't always easy, so I aim to offer options that work around your life.

Face-to-face counselling takes place at Rooms@1900 in Calverley, serving adults from Calverley, Pudsey, Horsforth and the wider Leeds area. Sessions are subject to room and appointment availability.

Online counselling is delivered through Microsoft Teams, and I also offer telephone counselling for those who prefer it. I have completed training in delivering counselling remotely, including online and telephone work, and take care to ensure sessions are conducted safely, privately and professionally.

If you'd like to discuss appointment options or find out whether I currently have availability, you're welcome to contact me for a free, no-obligation 20-minute introductory conversation. There's no pressure to book, and we can talk through what might work best for you.

If you're not sure where to start, or how to clearly explain your experience, that's OK. You don't need the right words. I'm Mark, the counsellor behind Ash Roots Counselling. I'm originally from a working-class background in the North East, and my approach is respectful, accepting and straightforward. I work with people from different backgrounds, and you don't need to be comfortable talking about feelings or know exactly what to say before we start. 

It's hard to struggle silently when you feel you should be coping. You might be holding things together on the outside while finding things difficult underneath. Perhaps something doesn't feel right, but you're not sure why, or what to do about it.

At Ash Roots Counselling, you won't need to put on a brave face, have everything figured out or pretend things are better than they are. I'm not here to tell you how to live your life or offer a quick fix. We'll work things through together, at your pace. I'll listen, ask questions and, where it feels helpful, offer observations or challenge you to look at things differently.

You might feel broken, stuck or unsure of yourself, but that doesn't mean you need fixing. Counselling can help you make sense of what's happening, understand yourself more clearly and find a way forward that feels right for you.

If you'd like to find out more, you're welcome to contact me for a free, no-obligation introductory conversation, or visit my website.

My approach is Person-Centred, which means starting with you, your experiences and what matters to you. I'm not here to tell you how to live your life. I'll listen, ask questions and help you make sense of what's going on. Where it feels helpful, I'll share observations or challenge you to look at things differently. We'll work things through together so you can find a way forward that feels right for you.

I'm not going to make you feel analysed or judged, and I won't force you to talk about feelings if you're not ready.

I work with adults experiencing stress, overwhelm, grief, anger, low mood, relationship difficulties, work pressures and times when life just doesn't feel right. Sometimes you might know what's bothering you; other times, you might struggle to put it into words.

Alongside exploring your experience, I can offer insights to help you understand what you might be experiencing. My background in teaching has helped me learn how to explain things clearly. This might include exploring how stress affects us, why certain feelings or reactions arise, or how past experiences can influence the way we see ourselves and others. This isn't about giving you a lesson or telling you what to think. It's about helping you make sense of things, if that would be useful to you, so you can decide the best way forward for yourself.

You don't need a diagnosis, a clear goal or the right words before we start. We can begin with wherever you are.

Starting counselling with me...

1. A free, no-pressure conversation

I offer a free, 20-minute introductory conversation by telephone or online. It's an opportunity to talk about what's brought you to counselling, ask questions and consider whether I might be the right person to work with you. There's no obligation to book a session afterwards. If you're unsure, I'm happy to discuss your options and offer signposting to other support where appropriate.

2. Understanding your needs

If you'd like to proceed, I'll send you my working agreement and privacy policy to read before we begin. These explain how I work, what you can expect and how your personal information is handled. I'll also ask you to complete an initial intake form to help me understand your circumstances, what's bringing you to counselling and any relevant background.

3. Making sure we're able to work together

Depending on your circumstances, we may need a more in-depth conversation before starting. This helps me understand your needs and consider whether I can offer appropriate support within my training, experience and professional responsibilities. This is about making sure our work together would be appropriate, safe and ethical. If I feel another service or type of support would better meet your needs, I'll be honest with you and, where possible, help you explore other options. Your needs come first, and if I feel working with me wouldn't be in your best interests, I'll be honest with you.

4. Getting started

If we're both happy to go ahead, we'll agree the practical arrangements and book our first session. You'll have time to read the information, ask questions and make an informed decision before counselling begins. You don't need to have everything figured out before we start.

5. Concession rates

Before we begin, let me know if you are a trainee counsellor or Blue Light Card holder, as I offer a limited number of concessionary rates for these.