Michael Harland, BACP

Counsellor - stress and trauma

Mindfulness Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Supports LGBT concerns

About Michael

Counsellor Michael Harland is a BACP member with five years' experience. He works in the United Kingdom and helps people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and depression, among other issues.

Michael describes his work as depth-focused. He uses talking to reach deeper emotion rather than only addressing thoughts. He explains that some problems respond better to feeling-focused work, while others may need different methods first.

He makes clear depth work is not suited to every situation. He does not recommend it for people in the middle of a crisis, for non–drug-induced psychosis, or for those with extremely severe trauma. In such cases he advises seeking cognitive behavioural therapy support instead.

In sessions he listens for emotional patterns that repeat in relationships and daily life. He draws on psychodynamic thinking to look at past experiences and how they shape present reactions. He also uses mindfulness approaches to help people notice their feelings and physical reactions in the moment.

Michael works with a wide range of concerns beyond those already listed, including addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting strain, grief, ADHD and aspects of attachment or abandonment. He also supports people exploring kink and alternative sexual cultures and those dealing with chronic illness or body image concerns.

He accepts international clients and runs counselling from the United Kingdom. To begin, follow the site steps to complete the short matching questionnaire and arrange a first session.

Mindfulness and Psychodynamic approaches for online counselling

Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple ways to notice thoughts, body sensations and emotions as they happen. It can help with anxiety, stress, sleep problems and grounding when feelings feel overwhelming. Psychodynamic Therapy looks at patterns that repeat across relationships and over time. It uses the therapeutic conversation to understand how past experiences shape current reactions and struggles.

Choosing an approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss your needs, goals and preferences and make decisions together about whether mindfulness, psychodynamic work, or elements of both are best. This is a collaborative process and can change as therapy progresses.

Practical benefits of online counselling include making sessions easier to fit around work and family commitments and cutting travel time. Online sessions can also offer quieter surroundings or allow a shorter check-in if that fits a busy day. The site requires you to follow the steps to complete a short matching questionnaire and book a first session, so confirm the exact session formats available before booking.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression ADHD

Also works with

Addictions LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGrief Intimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issues Body imageCancerChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separation Domestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issues ForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issues Midlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issues Mood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissism Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stress Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harm Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTrichotillomaniaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Listed in

United Kingdom

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he help with?

He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem and depression. Other areas include addictions, relationship and intimacy problems, grief, ADHD and parenting strain.

What style of therapy does he use?

He uses depth-oriented work with psychodynamic ideas and mindfulness techniques. That means talking to reach deeper feelings and noticing present-moment experience.

How long has he been practising?

He has five years of experience as a counsellor.

Is he registered with a professional body in the UK?

He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the UK work with him?

He accepts international clients and works from the United Kingdom.

How are sessions arranged and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start a first session?

Select the See online counselling options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

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.

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