Welcome to Michael Schmool Therapy
Thank you for taking the first step and visiting my site.
I know it can be a challenge to know where to start and to take that first step in finding a Counselling therapist. This is especially true when you feel uncertain, vulnerable, anxious or just feeling a little lost in life.
There are times in all our lives’ when we just need space to be still and reflect where we feel accepted, understood, and supported. I hope to offer you a safe and comfortable place in which to gain a deeper awareness into why you feel the way you do, and to reflect on alternative perspectives on challenging life situations that you may be facing right now.
I welcome you to contact me for a no obligation initial chat either on the phone or online, and we can figure things out from there.
What to expect
If you have decided to try counselling, you might be feeling anxious about your first session. Making the decision to get help and address the issues you are facing is a brave and important first step. Knowing what to expect from a counselling session should help you feel more prepared and less nervous about your first appointment.
Our first 50-minute session is there for you to tell me more about yourself, and what you would like to explore or work on. We will discuss what your needs are, and any expectations or concerns that you might have. At the same time this will give you a chance to get a sense of what I’m like and how I work, and of course I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process and the practicalities. By the end of our first session we should have a sense of whether we are a good fit and if I am the right therapist for you.
If we do work together I would suggest that we agree to at least six sessions to start, after which we will review how things are going. These initial sessions can be helpful for you to decide if you would prefer short term therapy or an open ended approach.
The Counselling process
Counselling often requires you to discuss upsetting emotions and painful memories. Bringing up these thoughts can feel difficult to start with and initially, you may feel worse. This process is necessary to move forward and in time, you should start to feel better.
To get the most from your counselling sessions you should aim to make them consistent (weekly). Some sessions will feel more helpful than others, but it's important to realise that everything we work on together is designed to help you in the long run.
The Person-Centred Approach
My approach works to understand you as an individual, and gain an understanding of your experiences from your perspective. I completely value my clients as individual and unique people within all aspects of their humanity while aiming to be open and genuine. I hope to help you to reconnect with your inner values and sense of self-worth, enabling you to find your own way to move forward and progress.
The core purpose of person-centred therapy is to facilitate your ability to self-actualise - to fulfil your potential. My approach is to facilitate your personal growth to help you understand yourself by expanding your awareness of self and those important relationships in your life, allowing you to explore and utilise your own strengths and personal identity. My aim in this process, is to provide you with support as you make your way through this journey.
About Me
Hi, I‘m Michael.
A Person-Centred (humanistic) Counsellor, as a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) means I work within the ethical framework and practice guidelines.
I am a kind, compassionate and easy going person. I have lived a very varied life over two continents where my working careers in advertising, media, publishing and photography brought me into contact with people from all walks of life.
I have experience working within the NHS, offering short term therapy (6-12 weeks) and have also worked in an agency setting offering low-cost open ended Counselling. I am passionate about and enjoy working with people of all ages and from all walks of life. I’m very dedicated and interested in helping people to find their best self.
My Location
I offer therapy in-person in Warrington, Cheshire which is easily accessible from Widnes, St Helens and Greater Manchester. I am also available online or by phone.
Fees
My fees are £60 per session, with sessions lasting 50 minutes.
I do have a limited number of concession fee spaces for those on low-income/ benefits/pension. Please e-mail me for more information.
Our initial free consultation: We can have either a short conversation over the phone or via zoom (15-20 minutes) in which we can get to know each other. You and can ask questions and we can discuss your reason/s for counselling. We can then arrange a suitable time and day in which to start.
Get in touch
Please give me a call, text or email me and I will contact you within 24 hours.
Phone: +44 (0)7398 755314
Address: Warrington, Cheshire
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