Counsellor profile
Hal Thompson, BACP
Counsellor - Stress and Anxiety
See online counselling options- Psychodynamic focus
- CBT elements
- Works with addiction
About Hal
Counsellor and BACP member Hal Thompson has three years' experience working with people in the United Kingdom. He helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and low self-esteem. Sessions are delivered in English and international clients are accepted.
Hal trained academically with a master's in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London, and a BA in psychology from the University of Sussex. He previously worked in mental health across public and private settings and spent time in arts and education before moving into clinical work.
His main way of working is psychodynamic counselling. That means looking at how past experiences and coping patterns shape what happens now. He pays attention to thoughts and feelings that are often out of awareness and how they affect behaviour.
He also uses elements from other evidence-based techniques where they fit the work. Examples mentioned include cognitive behavioural methods and internal family systems ideas. These are used to help with practical patterns such as anxiety, compulsive behaviour, and issues connected to trauma or addiction.
Hal aims to work collaboratively with each person. Sessions focus on noticing repeated patterns, understanding their roots, and testing different ways of responding. Practical steps and reflective work are combined so people can try new approaches between sessions.
To start, people follow the site’s booking flow to match with him and arrange a first session. Fees vary with location and sessions use a cancellable subscription model.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Hal’s main approach is psychodynamic counselling, which looks at how early experiences and repeating patterns affect present thoughts and actions. That work often helps with issues rooted in past trauma, attachment problems, or long-standing ways of coping.He also draws on cognitive behavioural techniques to address clear patterns of unhelpful thinking or behaviour. These methods can be useful for managing anxiety, panic symptoms, obsessions and compulsions, and for practical coping skills. Internal family systems ideas are used at times to help people name different parts of themselves and reduce internal conflict.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options with each person and decide together what methods fit their needs, goals and preferences. This is a collaborative process not a fixed package.
The original biography did not specify which session formats are offered. Please confirm current session options before booking. Online counselling can make it easier to fit sessions around work or family commitments, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people choose audio-only or video options where those are supported by the service.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does he commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and self-esteem concerns. He also addresses related issues such as panic, OCD patterns, guilt and shame, and social anxiety.
What style of therapy does he use?
His primary approach is psychodynamic counselling, looking at how past experiences shape current patterns. He may also use cognitive behavioural ideas and internal family systems concepts when they fit the work.
How long has he practised?
He has three years' direct experience as a counsellor. Prior work included roles in mental health, arts and education.
Which professional body is he a member of?
He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.
Do sessions take place in other languages or countries?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options with the booking service before arranging a session.
How are fees handled?
Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want a session?
Select the See online counselling options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the site.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.