Who is Chris the Counsellor?
Where do I begin?
I want to share with you who I am; the human and therapist behind this website.
I grew up in a small mining village in West Yorkshire, ready to take on the world… well after I learnt to walk first!
I went through life like most others, a school, sixth form and then university (I got a degree that I never use… but still had to pay the loan back hahah). I never really knew what I wanted to do; I never really had a goal like some of my friends did. So, I packed a bag and went travelling, then after 12 months I came home. If i am being honest I came home because i missed my mum’s Sunday dinner. While travelling, I made memories with people who will be my friends for life. During this time i added more to my life experiences by really seeing what it was like to live outside what I called the “norm”.
After returning I worked in Education, supporting children who required help and guidance. I then worked in behaviour units and later in secondary school safeguarding.
I then transitioned into working as a trainer (not the P.T kind – I like Chinese food too much) for organisations that needed to upskill their workforce. Thirteen years later i moved into the NHS and at the same time started to study counselling. Fast forward four years here I am; writing this as a qualified counsellor working in the NHS.
During my time studying I kept one promise to myself – to stay ground to who I am. That why I’ve told you about my love of Chinese food, and my mum’s Sunday dinners, because we’re all human.
That’s why my approach to therapy is grounded in building a therapeutic relationship, trust and focused on your thoughts and feelings – the human factor. The time we spend together will be managed by you, I will be led by you and what you what to discuss. Yes, therapy can be challenging, it can be raw and upsetting, but I offer that safe space where we can discuss these things and I will support you.
To support you in getting to a place you want to be both mentally & physically.
Outside of work and being a therapist, i enjoy the cinema, (i’m a big movie & marvel nerd). I do lots of mindfulness activities (I like to practice what I preach), and I also volunteer for a LGBTQ+ charity in Leeds. In between all that, it’s lazy days in front of Netflix.
I don’t specialise in any area specifically, however as a gay man I find working in the LGBTQ+ community/space an area I bring more knowledge and understanding.
Qualifications
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Degree in Business Management
Education in Training level 4
ILM Level 4 Coaching
Education and Training
Mental Health First Aid
Suicide Prevention
Supporting People with Neurodiversity
Mental Health at Work
Resilience Training
Stress Awareness
Wellbeing
Understanding Personality Disorder