Michael John

Listening closely first. So you take the lead, and I'll follow.

• I'll gently offer ways of looking at your situation that you may not have considered
• Help you move towards action
• I work integratively, drawing on whatever approach best fits you
• Empathy is where we start; accountability is where we go

I spent over three decades in my own recovery and before that I lost a career I loved in the music industry to addiction. 

I know what it's like to rebuild from the ground up.

Through hard graft and sheer stubbornness, even with the added hurdle of having dyslexia, I became a therapist because I'd lived what many of my clients are living and I use that.



 "Action brings about change, thinking brings about more thinking." 

I heard this during my own recovery and I come back to this again and again.

You can understand a problem to a point, but nothing comes from it if you're not changing those habits.

Losing everything to addiction and finding my way back.

I had a life in the music industry, people I admired, a world I love but addiction took it from me quietly.

I rebuilt over 34 years, one day at a time. And that is the experience that underpins everything I do as a therapist.

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck.

The way it connects childhood, family dynamics, self-esteem and adult relationships feels as relevant now as ever.

EastEnders and the World Cup. 

I also spend time watching self-care and recovery content on YouTube.



1.

Begin with an introductory session where you set the agenda.

I get to understand you properly.

2.

Explore the roots of what you're experiencing.

How early experiences, family dynamics, and relationships have shaped your patterns

3.

Work at a pace that suits you

Whether that's 6–10 focused sessions or long-term work with you

4.

Move from understanding to action.

Clarity alone isn't enough.

Soul music. 🎺

George Michael, Michael Jackson, Anita Baker. Legends I worked with, grew up listening to and still admire.

Purple