Brian Padden M.A. Dips. Coun.

About Me:

Hi, I am a qualified person-centred counsellor who blends a mixture of counselling styles into my work. I am chatty, personable and aim to put you at ease from the first moments.

I have worked in mental health for over twenty years. Most of my early experience has been working in local primary and secondary schools. Initially as a sports coach (I am a qualified football coach) and teaching PE before moving to a hybrid role of supporting children who struggled with emotional regulation. This led to me studying child counselling and then go on to qualifying as a therapist for all age groups.

I specialise in supporting children and young people through the difficulties that modern life can throw at them. As the Mental Health Lead in a large local secondary school I was responsible for the emotional support of  students and staff, but particularly the children in the care system. I am still a therapist for children in care or who have experienced trauma.

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I also work with adults, both men and women and support people through a wide range of emotional and mental health issues such as bereavement, depression, anxiety, work pressure, dealing with illness and other life transitions.

I find that for men, having a supportive male therapist who can provide a time each week to explore your thoughts, feelings can be transformational. We can explore which experiences and messages from your boyhood can still be impacting you today. Were you expected to 'man up' ? not cry? hide your emotions? 

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Young people often struggle with their mental health. The pressures and responsibilities that come from the  transition from childhood into adulthood are difficult to negotiate. Having a space to explore, what seems like, a scary and uncertain future, can bring calmness, clarity and optimism.

My style of working is through a non-judgemental approach. I firmly believe that everyone, with the right support, has the capacity to overcome their problems and be the best version of themselves.

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We work at a pace that works for you, we will cover topics that you wish to explore and understand better. Sometimes, counselling can be difficult, I’ll be there to support you or your loved one those these moments.

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