Christopher Meredith

I work from 11:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00, subject to discretion. I offer face-to-face and online therapy.

I am a qualified psychotherapist, with an M.Sc. in psychology and psychotherapy, working primarily within the existential model. I also use the techniques of CBT, ACT, solution-focused brief therapy and transactional analysis where appropriate.  The method used is determined by the nature and severity of the problem, but is always underpinned by compassion, intelligence and practical wisdom.

I have a wide range of experience, working with a diverse clientele, taking on a broad range of problems.

After you make contact, we would set an initial appointment. At this session, we would discuss your needs—what you want to get out of counselling. I will explain what it is that I do (what this whole counselling thing is about) and we will work out what the goal is. Then, if you choose to proceed, a contract is signed; this outlines my responsibilities to you and vice versa. If you decide it's not for you, that's not a problem. The session fee still applies.

You can also decide whether you want long-term support or would prefer a briefer, time-limited plan; this is often chosen as a way of keeping financial costs down. I don’t impose a rigid structure on therapy, but retain flexibility to meet your needs as best I can.

My approach is pragmatic rather than theory driven, with the aim of supporting the client in the most effective way possible to explore their situation and bring about positive change. On a personal level, I bring to the therapy room my long experience of life and its difficulties, and a philosophical perspective that draws on existentialism, and the philosophical traditions of ancient India, China and Greece.

I have worked with troubled young adults and in bereavement work, and with adult survivors of childhood neglect or abuse. I have a particular interest in men's issues, as, in my view, men do not always get adequate support or understanding of the unique way/s that they deal with problems. I also have a special interest in ASD, being Asperger's myself.

To me, the aim of therapy is to change what can be changed, and to learn how to cope with what cannot be changed. Therapy is a collaborative exploration of the client's life-world, not a didactic process.

As with all therapy, the ideal is to achieve peace of mind and insight through meaningful change, so the first session is exploratory in nature; we work together to work out what you want and need, and what is possible. It is where we get to know each other, to see if we gel, and you have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you feel necessary. There is, of course, no obligation to go any further.