Peter Thompson , NCPS

Peter Thompson earned a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling in 2011 and brings both volunteer and professional experience to his practice. Over a career spanning more than a decade, he has worked with people facing stress and anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, low motivation, self-esteem and confidence challenges, and a wide range of other life issues. He works to build an open, nonjudgmental space where feelings and thoughts can be shared honestly and where the client is treated as an equal partner in the work.

Colleagues and others have described him as "down to earth" and "real," and he often uses a well-timed sense of humour where it helps the therapeutic process. He practices in an eclectic way, drawing on different methods to meet each person’s needs, while keeping Person Centred principles at the heart of his work. Three words that guide his approach are CHOICE - RESPONSIBILITY - AUTONOMY, and he aims to help clients regain ownership of those elements in their lives. He will endeavour to check messages a couple of times each day and aims to respond without leaving people waiting unnecessarily.

Peter holds the NCPS credential - a professional counselling qualification - and he also works as a writer and Spoken Word poetry performer. He reminds prospective clients to be aware of emergency contact options if they need urgent help; for the UK and Republic of Ireland these include 112 or 999 for emergencies, 111 Option 2 for non-emergencies, the 24/7 helpline 116 123, Shout by texting "DESERVE" to 85258, and resources such as samaritans.org and yourlifecounts.org. This service does not provide emergency intervention, so he encourages people to know who to contact if immediate help is required.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Peter works predominantly from a Person Centred perspective, which means he prioritises the client's experience and supports people to explore their feelings at their own pace while fostering autonomy and self-direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is used to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns and develop practical strategies for managing symptoms like anxiety, low mood, and stress. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on clients' strengths and small, achievable steps toward change, making it useful for goal-oriented work such as improving relationships or building confidence.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Peter discusses options with each person, tailors methods to their goals and preferences, and adjusts the plan as the work unfolds so that the approach fits the individual rather than the other way around.

Online therapy with Peter is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which makes it easier to fit sessions around work, family, or other commitments. These remote options increase flexibility and accessibility, allowing people in different locations to work with experienced, licensed professionals without the need for travel.