Michael Brown
Glasgow & Online Counsellor and Psychotherapist
AN ASSOCIATE of THE LIFE ACADEMY
About Me
Welcome
I work authentically and with gentle curiosity, offering space to connect with all of you, particularly the aspects that feel shameful, vulnerable or inadequate. I listen deeply to how you experience life and encourage you to identify your own ability for self-healing and personal growth. Through this compassionate and collaborative exploration, there can develop a greater awareness of when we are triggered, and through this we can develop the skills to creatively respond rather than react.
I'm drawn to diversity at its broadest level and have always had a deep curiosity about what influences who we are and how we connect with each other and our environment. It was this curiosity that led me to cultivate a mindfulness practice at a young age, as part of my early adult life was in the pursuit of unhealthy coping strategies to manage difficulties. Through my own therapeutic journey, I've learned the importance of having trusted relationships that support the healing process and encourage change and growth. Overtime, I've developed an ongoing practice of learning to be with difficult feelings and cultivate greater compassion and self-acceptance towards myself and others. I’ve found these qualities enable me to be a calm presence when clients are working through their own distressing emotions.
Approach
The foundation of my practice is person-centred and mindfulness-based. I work with clients to develop an approach that appreciates and values their individuality and sensibilities. I often focus on how clients feel in the moment, particularly when talking about difficult issues. This supports them with the process of becoming more familiar with their feelings, physically and emotionally and, over time, of offering compassion and understanding towards themselves. To support this process, I offer guided meditations, awareness techniques and movement for clients who prefer to be in motion as a way of grounding in the present moment.
I firmly believe that we all have the capacity to change and grow and that with support and guidance, clients can begin to develop their own resources and gain insight into their behaviours. A fundamental component to affective therapy is the relationship. So much of my approach is about developing an authentic, trusting and empathetic relationship with each client. Through this process, clients begin to cultivate unique skills for living a life that recognises and respects their individuality and which are easier to practice, and therefore more sustainable.
Education
• MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of Strathclyde
• COSCA, Counselling Skills Certificate
• Certificate in Mindfulness Teacher Development, Living Mindfulness
• BA (Hons) Sculpture and Environmental Art, Glasgow School of Art
Experience
My experience is rich and diverse, with an emphasis on working with individuals or groups to promote growth and healing. This includes:
• Establishing a private Counselling and Psychotherapy practice • Volunteer counsellor at the Tom Allen Centre, a Glasgow-based charity
• Tutoring art in the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice
• Teaching creative practice to children at the Glasgow School of Art
• Delivering art-making and mindfulness workshops at Platform Arts Centre
• Delivering mindfulness workshops at LGBTQ+ Pride Outside events
• Working with visually impaired learning-disabled adults within the RNIB
Experience has shown me that much like making art, the therapeutic process is a deeply creative one full of insights, meaning and connection, and I’ve found that I’m often in awe of the capacity for people to grow and learn, even in extremely challenging situations.
Expertise
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Alcohol/Drugs/Addictive behaviours
• Loss/ Bereavement/Grief
• Neurodivergence
• LGBTQ+
• Chronic illness/Stress
• Low self-esteem/worth
• Life’s transitions
• Identity/Sense of Self
• Sexual issues
• Relationships/Codependency/Attachment
Memberships
• PVG registered member (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme)
• BACP (British Association of counselling and psychotherapy) registration membership no: 403451
Fees
Individual sessions: £60
I offer a free initial 15-minute chat to discuss how we could potentially work together.
There are limited concession spaces for those on benefits and students. Please ask about this in the initial contact
Payment by card in advance
Location
I work from the Life Academy Wellbeing Centre at 3B Greenhill Park, Bruntsfield, Edinburgh EH10 4DW. The Centre is situated in a transport hub and is easily accessible by bus or car. Free, private parking is available on request.
Contact
To make an appointment or discuss whether I am the right therapist for you, please complete the form below. I will try to respond to you within three days.
I look forward to hearing from you.