Counsellor profile
Michael Hawthorne, BACP
Counsellor - Stress and Anxiety
See online counselling options- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- LGBT related issues
About Michael
Counsellor Michael Hawthorne is a BACP member with three years of professional experience based in the United Kingdom. He works with people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship concerns, LGBT issues and depression. He also supports people facing attachment difficulties, communication problems, guilt and shame, isolation or loneliness, low self‑regard and social anxiety or phobia.
Michael takes a direct, conversational approach in sessions. He listens to what matters most to the person in front of him and talks through practical steps. Sessions focus on understanding patterns, noticing what keeps problems going, and trying small changes between meetings.
He adapts the way he works to the situation rather than relying on one fixed method. That can mean focusing on thoughts and behaviours, practicing different ways of relating to others, or using tasks and experiments to test out new responses. The emphasis is on simple, concrete changes that fit into everyday life.
Michael aims to work at a steady pace so people can build confidence as they go. He encourages clear goals and regular review so progress is visible. Sessions are aimed at making everyday situations easier to manage and at reducing distressing feelings.
For people in the UK thinking about counselling, Michael asks that you use the site buttons to begin. There is a short matching questionnaire followed by booking a first session. He offers sessions in English only and does not take international clients.
Approaches used in online counselling and how they help
Michael draws on evidence‑based therapeutic techniques that focus on thoughts, behaviours and relationships. One common approach looks at thoughts and actions that keep anxiety and low mood going and teaches ways to test and change those patterns. This can help with panic, ongoing worry and low mood by giving clear steps to try between sessions.Another useful approach concentrates on how people connect with others and form attachments. It helps to identify relationship patterns, improve communication and reduce feelings of isolation or shame. This approach is often used for relationship strains, attachment issues and social anxiety.
Deciding which approach to use is part of the work. Michael discusses options with each person and picks methods that fit their goals, preferences and practical needs. He treats this as a collaborative process rather than imposing a single method.
Confirm the exact session formats before booking, as the biography does not list them. Online counselling can make it easier to fit sessions around work or family, or to have a shorter phone check‑in if that suits the day. It can also remove travel time and allow continuity when life gets busy. Registered or accredited professionals and therapists commonly use these practical benefits to keep therapy accessible.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with most often?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, LGBT matters and depression. He also focuses on attachment, communication, shame, loneliness and social anxiety.
What is his therapeutic style?
Michael uses a conversational, practical style. He looks at patterns, sets clear goals and suggests small tasks between sessions.
How much experience does he have?
He has three years of professional experience working with adults in counselling settings.
Which professional body is he a member of?
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.
Does he accept clients from other countries?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the See online counselling options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then 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.