My philosophy

A young man with curly hair, wearing a black shirt, sitting on a wooden swing outdoors during sunset, smiling with his eyes closed.

Hi, I’m Tom.

I’m a BACP registered, DBS checked, CPCAB qualified, person-centred psychotherapist working with adults and young people. Registered BACP Member: 415630

I’m of the belief that therapy is a place where we can truly be ourselves. Where we don’t have hold it together, where we don’t have to be what society expects us to be, where we don’t have to be clever, brave, fixed, funny or fine.

It’s a space for honesty, uncertainty, grief, confusion, humour, contradiction, even some wildness at times - and for discovering what it means to be more fully yourself.

I believe that connection is the most powerful driver in therapy, and I believe in the great Professor Irvin Yalom’s opinion that the therapeutic relationship is itself, above all, the healer. That when we’re met fully, truly understood, and truly cared for, that’s when something within us begins to soften. And that’s when change begins.

As Dr. Lou Cozolino puts it, “It’s not survival of the fittest, it’s survival of the nurtured.”

Therapy therefore has to be a nurturing space, where the moment you walk through the door (virtual or otherwise), you feel heard, held, prized and cared for. Where you work alongside another, in partnership, towards understanding yourself more fully, at more depth.

I’m not here to diagnose or label. I’m here to meet you - as you are, where you are. And to help you meet yourself with more kindness, more honesty, and little bit more hope and love.

A badge indicating accreditation by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), with the registration number 415630, and the designation MBACP, featuring the BACP logo and text in purple and white.

My background

A smiling man with wavy hair and earrings, sitting at an outdoor cafe, holding an orange cup, with a street and brick buildings in the background.

My training is in the Person Centred Approach, and my focus, above everything, is rooted in the relationship. I work relationally, person-to-person, heart to heart, smile to smile.

So much of my inspiration comes the great hearts of history, but also the people around me: my teachers, my friends, my colleagues, and my own therapist too. I’m inspired by those who unapologetically exude authenticity, those pure souls, and those prioritising kindness above all.

Much of my work is with young adults under the age of 40, with teenagers and with children - those on the cusp of big change, identity shifts, or emotional overwhelm.

I’ve also worked closely with men as a mentor, as a football manager and as a therapist too; navigating anger, shame, loneliness, and what it means to be ‘enough’ in a world that rarely pauses for breath.

Before training as a therapist, I was a journalist writing about sports, mental health, masculinity, class and capitalism - and that background still shapes how I see the world.

I’m interested in how systems shape our inner selves - how culture can silence us, how pressure can harden us, and ultimately, how therapy can bring us back to something more human and more real.

Words from previous clients…

  • "Tom was amazing at building a relationship with our 7 year old quickly. He was not sleeping, having intrusive thoughts, developed a tic and was hand washing constantly. Within 3 weeks of seeing Tom, my son had stopped hand washing and was sleeping better. He now has lots of strategies to support himself when he is feeling like his mental health is suffering. Tom also helped us as parents how to manage some of my son's behaviours at home going forward. I would 100% recommend him to others."

    Katy


  • "I’ve had 8 sessions with Tom so far, and I couldn’t imagine a more supportive therapist. I hold a lot of anxiety from past experiences and Tom allows me to talk through my emotions with zero judgement, full support and empathy. I’m truly so grateful for everything he’s helped me with so far."

    Florence

  • "I’ve tried counselling before but never made much progress until this. Working with Tom the last few months I’ve seen massive progress working through issues both past and present. Tom does a great job helping me to challenge and understand my thoughts & behaviours then put measures in place to improve the things I’d like to manage differently. Would highly recommend."

    Adam

My CV

  • Providing person-centred face to face counselling as an on site counsellor for a secondary school and sixth form college in Nottingham.

  • Providing person-centred face to face and online counselling for an agency in Nottingham and Birmingham charity, working adults, children and young people from the age of 7.

  • Providing person-centred face to face counselling for a children’s charity, working with children and young people between the ages of 6 and 24.

  • Providing person-centred online counselling for a non-profit, working with adults.

  • Providing mentorship for teenagers in the Derbyshire area.

  • Managing an adult men’s football team in the Nottinghamshire Senior League division 1.

  • Writing, podcasting and broadcasting for several industry-leading publications including the BBC, Sky Sports, The Guardian, The Independent with a specific focus on football, culture and politics.

My education

  • 2025 -

    The Reach Approach

  • At Central Training the Midlands (CTTM)

    2023 -2025

  • At Central Training the Midlands (CTTM)

    2023 -2025

  • At Central Training the Midlands (CTTM)

    2023 -2025

  • CASY

    2024

  • CASY

    2024

  • Challenge consulting

    2019-2020

  • University of Derby 

    2010-2013


Get in touch

Interested in booking a session or want to find out more?

Fill out the contact form and I’ll get back to you within 48 hours.

Or if you prefer you can call or Whatsapp me on 07931605941.

I am available Monday to Friday, including evenings.