Clear Light Counselling
Counselling with Mike, MBACP,
Are you feeling overwhelmed……even the small things? Always exhausted & stuck? Feel ‘lazy’ or not good enough? You’re not alone in this!
Try a free counselling session with Mike. Ring or text him on 07732315726, email: [email protected]
Individual Counselling
Walking & Talking
Hello! I’m Mike
Qualified Counsellor
I support adults navigating neurodivergence, including ADHD, autism, and sensory or emotional overwhelm. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck, exhausted, or quietly struggling with a sense of being “too much” and not enough at the same time.
I offer a warm, non-judgemental space where you don’t need to mask or have everything figured out. Together, we make sense of your experiences, ease self-criticism, and find ways of working with your mind rather than against it. Over time, this can lead to greater clarity, self-acceptance, and a life that feels more manageable, authentic, and genuinely your own.
I am an Integrative Counsellor who is very non-judgmental, calm, creative, and compassionate. I believe we all have the inner strength to find solutions in our life.
My life has been shaped by complexity – realizing that a lot of our mental health distress comes from the way we are, and that this self-acceptance can be a start of a beautiful transformational process within us. My practice is trauma informed and I have worked with many neurodivergent clients such as autistic adults and those who experience ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia.
I am passionate about ending the stigma towards mental health, men’s mental health being a particular interest of mine, but I am proud of my values of equality, diversity and inclusion, towards all individuals in our society.
I have experienced my own personal healing journey and now live a life full of relative peace, joy, and meaning.
My Expertise
Love Your Brain?
It is possible to love your brain – and accept the thoughts and feelings that arise – despite how distracted we are.
Underneath everyone’s thoughts and feelings is a stillness from within that anyone can access – even just for a few seconds.
I understand neurodivergennce; the burnout, depression, executive dysfunction, oversensitivity, high functioning anxiety, and how neurodivergent adults (whether you are diagnosed or you think you are neurodivergent) face oppression and invalidation, and the feelings of rejection that come from that.
Individual Counselling
I offer face to face counselling at various venues throughout the Tees Valley area. See list of venues below. I also offer online counselling, anywhere in the UK. Sessions last 50 minutes. I can do one-off sessions for 75 minutes.
Walking & Talking
Often we open up and are more talkative when we walk with someone. Walking helps keep us fit too, and a good walking symmetry can help balance the brain and calm the nervous system. I offer walks and talks at various places in the Tees Valley area. See list below. These sessions last 50 minutes, and can be one-off or as a group of sessions.
Getting Started is Easy
1st session is free!
I can offer a free first session for you, to gauge your interests and needs. This can be in person or online. Just contact me to arrange.
Make A Booking
Just phone, text or email me to book your free first session. I am flexible as to when to meet with you..
1st Session!
The first session will be a full assessment of your needs and agreement as to what you want to focus on during the counselling.
My Experience & Approach
I support adults with neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism, who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by self-doubt. I offer a warm, non-judgemental space to build self-understanding, reduce shame, and find practical ways to work with your mind—so you can feel more confident, balanced, and authentically yourself.
I work in various towns in the Tees Valley area, including: Middlesbrough, Darlington, and Guisborough (see list of venues), and I can work online anywhere in the UK.
I have been supporting people through counselling for over 4 years, I have worked in health and social care for over 25 years, and been a meditation teacher for 30 years.
I am a qualified counsellor, and registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I am an integrative practitioner, which means that the many psychotherapeutic theories I have trained in, I combine to work for you, and your specific needs. All my of practices are evidence based and can help you heal from any lasting impacts of anxiety, depression, and even more severe types of mental ill health, for example Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
I have experience working with many different types of people, with a variety of issues I have a specialism in neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, dyspraxia, and dyslexia) and I am trauma informed.
I am person-centered and will revolve counselling around your needs. I am very non-judgmental, calm and easy to talk to. It can be unnerving to go to counselling for the first time, but I will do my best to help you feel comfortable.
Why Would You Want To Work With Me?
As your counsellor, you will find me approachable, calm, and non-judgmental. I will do my best to help you feel safe, where you can talk about anything you want to – in particular your current thoughts, feelings, and experiences, so that you can learn how to solve your own problems.
I believe counselling can be a very healing and transformative process for the client. I am passionate about helping people try and understand themselves, and for them to try and make positive changes within their mind and lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in a counselling session?
The first counselling session is free, and is an opportunity for you to talk about issues that have been distressing you. I provide a space where if you want to you can share your worries. I will never judge or criticize. What you say will be held in the strictest of confidence. Counselling is about creating a space where you feel comfortable and safe to discuss issues openly.
How can counselling help me?
The counselling will involve working with me to understand where issues come from and why they are upsetting you. While for many individuals there are familiar problems – like depression, stress or anxiety – we all have our own unique challenges, and counselling can help us work through them.
Is counselling confidential?
I understand that confidentiality is vitally important. I do not disclose anything you discuss with us to a third party unless your safety, the safety of another person is at risk. In these instances, I am legally and ethically bound to break confidentiality but will always endeavour to discuss this with you first.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes, I have a 24 hour cancellation policy. When you start counselling a regular commitment is established between you and I. That means that if you miss a session, I cannot be available to anyone else. I do, however, understand things happen in life and there will be occasions when people will need to cancel their appointments. I ask that you give as much notice as possible and any appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice are chargeable.
What is Walking and Talking?
Many people are more open and talkative when walking with someone. I can offer 50 minute walks and talks with clients. Conversations can be based on the same principles of counselling. Various routes are available – where confidentiality can be kept. If the weather is poor we can arrange in advance alternatives such as postponement, in-person, or online.
How many counselling sessions do I need to come for?
I will work collaboratively with you to establish your goals for counselling and regularly check in to see if progress is being made and if counselling is still meeting your needs. I use an integrative approach, which means I draw on different therapeutic techniques to best suit your individual situation. This versatility allows them to address a wide range of issues, whether you are looking for short-term support or longer-term exploration.
When do the counselling sessions take place?
I offer daytime and evening appointments. Ideally, you will have weekly sessions to gain a therapeutic alliance with me regularly and gain more benefit. However, I am open to fortnightly, monthly, or one-off sessions.
How long do the counselling sessions last?
Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes. If you arrive late for your appointment, I cannot extend the scheduled end time.
How long do I have to wait for counselling?
I am currently taking on new clients, so you won’t have to wait at all!
How long you need to wait before being offered your first appointment may depend on various factors such as the type of counselling and how many other people are on the waiting list. However, you probably won’t need to wait for as long as you might imagine. On average people are offered their first appointment just five days after being added to the waiting list. When you are added to the waiting list you will be asked when you are available to attend counselling. The greater your availability the sooner I will be able to offer you an appointment. If you feel you need some support quickly you may want to consider a one-off singes session with me.
Do you do any counselling online?
Yes, I can securely hold online counselling via a private Zoom account, for UK clients. This can take place anywhere in the UK.
What is the cost of counselling?
Counselling costs £50 per session. I can do a one-off session for 75 minutes, at £75. I can do a discount for those on benefits; £40 for 50 minutes, and £60 for a one-off 75 minute session.
Contact Me
Ask a question or book your free, first appointment, below. For emergencies call 999 or visit your nearest hospital
English