THERAPY WITH MICHAEL
A confidential client focused space online or "face-to-face" in Clapham South West London.
Supporting adults to understand themselves more deeply, work through difficulties, and move forward through talking therapy.
Who I Am and How Can I Help
Counselling for adults in London, online, and beyond.
My name is Michael O’Connor and I am a registered MBACP Counsellor.
I believe Counselling can be life-changing. When you have a safe space to open up, share what's really going on, and reflect with someone who's truly listening, real change becomes possible. With the right support, you can understand, process, and move through things that may have felt insurmountable for a long time.
I've been supporting people with addiction since 2001. Seeing how powerful the counselling process could be led me to retrain as a qualified counsellor, so I could help with a wider range of challenges. That journey means I bring over 20 years of experience. alongside a flexible, integrative approach tailored to you.
How we can work together:
I offer sessions face-to-face in the Clapham area, online via Zoom or phone, and a walk-and-talk therapy in the local park. We'll find the setting that feels most comfortable for you.
I don’t underestimate how big, and sometimes daunting, the decision to seek support is for my clients. People come to Counselling with me from all walks of life, and it’s my passion to help them work through their challenges and reach their full potential.
MY APPROACH
As an Integrative Counsellor, I've trained in more than one approach to mental health and wellness. This gives me a flexible, dynamic way of working that I can tailor to you.
Once I understand more about what it’s like to be you, and what's going on in your world, I use a combination of techniques and interventions that I believe will be best suited.
I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by their code of ethics in all that I do.
Phase 1: Building Trust
The Client-Therapist relationship is the foundation of our work, so I take time to get that right. My aim is to create a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel comfortable being yourself. You'll never be pushed to share more than you're ready for. I'll listen closely, reflect back what I'm hearing, and offer insights that might support your process of change.
Phase 2: Understanding Patterns and Goals
Once we've built trust, we'll gently explore what's getting in the way of you living the life you want. Our early experiences, especially the relationships we had - or didn't have - with caregivers, often shape how we see ourselves and the respond to the world as adults.
Together, we'll look back with curiosity. not judgement. This helps spot unhelpful patterns, question old beliefs that no longer serve you, and start to re-write your story.
Phase 3: Working Through
With a clear sense of direction, we'll move into the heart of the work. Together, at a pace that feels safe, we'll gently approach the parts of your story that have felt to difficult to face until now.
I'll support you as we explore past experiences that may still be affecting you, work through current challenges, and move toward accepting all parts of yourself with compassion.
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues.
Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Anxiety & Panic attacks
ADHD & ADD
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Addictions
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Abuse
Depression
Stress
Confidence & self-esteem
Anger management
Issues around sexuality
Life transitions
Problems with family or school life
YOU CAN SPEAK IN CONFIDENCE
Counselling with me is a safe space, wherever it takes place. I am committed to listening to you with sensitivity and without judgement, so thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.
GIVING YOU THE TOOLS FOR CHANGE
Counselling with me helps you build confidence in your resilience and coping abilities. We work together to build out a set of tools you can use to not only identify challenges in your life but also work towards managing or resolving them.
YOU CAN MAKE HEALTHIER CHOICES
You don’t need to repeat the same patterns again and again. I can work with you to understand why you act and react the way you do. Becoming more aware of your patterns allows a bit of breathing room between the trigger and your reaction, so you can start to think about making better & healthier choices moving forward.
CONTACT ME
I understand thinking about Counselling can feel daunting and that many people have questions. I am always happy to discuss any queries you might have ahead of booking an appointment (I also have some FAQs at the bottom of this page).
You can email me, call me on 07709 341153 or send a message using the form below.
I try to respond to all messages within 48hrs.
SESSIONS
I work face-to-face from spaces in Balham, Clapham and Clapham Junction, Northcote Road.
Each session is for 50mins
I also work remotely (Using Zoom or over the phone), as well as providing a walk-and-talk service in local parks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Counselling is usually a good way to help with a current problem; something that can be discussed and - hopefully - resolved within a limited number of sessions.
Psychotherapy (or 'therapy') goes a bit deeper, towards more substantial life issues and problems having a deeper effect on the client’s life. Therapy often requires a long-term approach, so the number of sessions can be open-ended.
Which option is most suitable depends on the client and the difficulties they are facing.
How long a period of counselling lasts will vary from person-to-person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing.
Before we begin any work we will agree on the number of sessions we’ll undertake, and at the end of that number review our progress. As long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions can continue.
My aim is to offer a first appointment - known as an initial assessment - within 1-2 weeks. Then we would arrange a set number of counselling sessions to take place at the same time every week, that is convenient for you and where I have availability. How quickly these sessions can begin will depend on the availability of that free ‘slot’.
Everything that is said within the counselling room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find this freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note that there are some situations where you may be a risk to yourself or others, or where the law requires that I notify an authority about something you've shared; in these cases I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
I understand having someone else with you might feel appealing, especially if you feel anxious about what Counselling might be like. However, I don't see clients accompanied by friends or family.
This is because a key part of therapy is you feeling free to talk about any and all issues that are important to you and having someone else with you (who might be connected to those issues) might make opening-up honestly more difficult.
© Michael O'Connor
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