Michael OConnor

Counsellor

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

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Therapists

I'm Michael, an integrative counsellor working in Clapham, North Clapham, Balham and the surrounding area. I believe the transformation that can happen within Counselling is life-changing. When you learn how to open up, share and reflect on the inner workings of your world with someone, amazing things can happen. With the support of the right professional, you can understand, process and overcome the things that have seemed insurmountable for so long. As an Integrative Counsellor, I am trained in several different approaches to working with mental health and wellness. Once I understand more about what it’s like to be you, and what’s going on for you right now, I will use the combination of techniques and interventions that I believe will be of most help. 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.

AbuseAlcohol Abuse and Alcohol DependenceAnger Management TherapyAnxietyAttachment TheoryBurnoutChild or Adolescent IssuesCodependencyDepressionDomestic AbuseDrug Dependence / Abuse / AddictionGambling AddictionInternet AddictionInterpersonalLoss or GriefMen’s IssuesMindfulness-basedPanicParentingPersonal GrowthPsychodynamicPTSDRelationalRelationship / Marriage IssuesSelf-HarmingSexual AbuseSexual AddictionSexual ProblemsSpiritualityTrauma

As an Integrative Counsellor, I am trained in several different approaches to working with mental health and wellness. Once I understand more about what it’s like to be you, and what’s going on for you right now, I will use the combination of techniques and interventions that I believe will be of most help. I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by their code of ethics in all that I do. I break my approach down into 3 phases: 1/ RELATIONSHIP BUILDING Knowing how important it is, I take the time to build a strong client-therapist relationship in all my work. I won’t judge you and I won’t push you into sharing certain things before you’re ready. I’ll summarise and reflect what I think I’m hearing about your experiences and I’ll offer insights I think might be helpful in your process of change. 2/ IDENTIFYING THEMES, CHALLENGES AND GOALS From our newly built strong foundation, we can explore what’s getting in the way of you living the way you want to. I believe strongly that our childhoods play a massive part in shaping who we have become as adults. The relationships that we had, or didn't have, with our caregivers can have long-lasting effects; shaping how we respond to the world and the people in our lives. By taking a look back we will have the chance to spot patterns, challenge internalised beliefs and prepare to try and change the story. 3/ WORKING THROUGH With the path laid out ahead of us, we can set off on the journey of change. Part of that work will be working together to open the doors to uncomfortable things that have been hidden from sight until now. I will support you in embracing/facing whatever comes up for you. Often it is a process of acknowledging what may have been too hard to understand ‘back then’, how those things affect you now and working on accepting the parts of yourself you’ve denied or repressed.

My training to become a qualified and registered integrative counsellor was over a period of four years and it covered many different approaches to counselling. I became interested in counselling after going down a rocky path in my late twenties. The life experience that came with that, as well as the self-development work that led me through it, helped me deepen my self-knowledge and my empathy. I have a deep understanding and knowledge of Addiction to alcohol and drugs, as well as many other common addictions like gambling, sex, and shopping. In my practice, I love working with people from all walks of life with a diverse range of challenges to become a better version of themselves and reach their full potential. With the support of the right professional, you can begin to validate and accept yourself, tap into your joy and ultimately, look to change your story.

Client Type
Type of Session
Fixed TermHome VisitsLong Term (Face to Face)Online TherapyShort Term (Face to Face)SkypeTelephone
Location(s)

Clapham NorthCote Road, Clapham Battersea Rise, North Clapham SW4