Patrick Breheny

My Approach to Counselling

My counselling approach is rooted in humanistic principles, offering a safe, compassionate space where you'll experience unconditional positive regard. I truly believe in your inherent resilience and resources to move towards meaningful change and self-compassion. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is paramount; it's a genuine two-way street built on empathy, genuineness, and mutual respect. This foundation allows for the deepest work and progress, recognizing you're the expert on your own life.

As an integrative counsellor, I blend Person-Centred, Transactional Analysis (TA), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to tailor sessions to your unique needs. I work with both individuals and couples. For couples, my practice is strongly informed by TA, helping explore communication patterns and relational dynamics like ego states, games, and scripts. For individuals processing the impact of past difficult experiences or trauma, I deeply integrate TA to understand how events shape present responses and foster healthier life patterns. We can explore your here-and-now issues or delve into unresolved childhood situations.

You possess the courage to move forward in a way that's right for you. I value genuine connection and ensure all clients are treated with the utmost respect, acknowledging your human rights within the therapy space.

Individual sessions are 50 minutes at £60. Couple sessions are 90 minutes at £120.

What to Expect

As a Manchester native, husband, and father of three, I deeply value connection and clear communication, integrating counselling principles into all aspects of my life. My commitment to supporting individuals facing significant challenges extends to my role as a Team Leader for Change Grow Live, a drug and alcohol charity. I'm passionate about empowering others to navigate change and find genuine fulfillment, deriving immense satisfaction from witnessing their progress.

My extensive experience spans diverse settings, including GP surgeries, detox units, community drug and alcohol services, and private practice. This breadth allows me to work effectively with a wide spectrum of issues. I have a particular interest and experience in bereavement, drawing on personal understanding of profound loss. I also support individuals struggling with anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, addiction, and depression.

Furthermore, my solid background within the NHS and various charities specializing in substance misuse and diverse mental health challenges has deepened my expertise. This extends to conditions like PTSD, OCD, specific phobias, social phobia, and health anxiety. I understand the debilitating power these issues can hold and have a proven track record of helping people break free from their grip.

My integrative approach means I draw upon various therapeutic models to tailor support to your unique needs. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for growth and healing, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space for open exploration. I'm committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based support, empowering you to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and ultimately achieve lasting well-being. I'm here to walk alongside you on your journey toward positive change.

Your First Session

Your first session will be a collaborative space for us to get to know each other. We'll start by contracting, which means we'll discuss confidentiality, how long each session lasts, and the cost. This agreement sets clear guidelines for both of us, ensuring your safety and outlining what you can expect from our work together.

This initial session is also your opportunity to share what you're hoping for from counselling and talk through some of the issues you're facing. We'll explore if counselling feels like the right step for you. Building a comfortable and safe relationship begins from our very first contact, and it's essential that you feel at ease working with me.

My counselling approach is rooted in humanistic principles, offering a safe and compassionate space where you'll experience unconditional positive regard. I truly believe in your inherent resilience and resources to move towards meaningful change and self-compassion.

Building a trusting and confident therapeutic relationship is paramount. It's a genuine two-way street where both client and counsellor engage with empathy, genuineness, and respect. This foundation allows for the deepest work and progress, never assuming I know more about you than you do.

As an integrative counsellor trained in Person-Centred, Transactional Analysis (TA), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I tailor sessions to your unique needs. I work with both individuals and couples. For couples, my practice is strongly informed by TA, helping to explore communication patterns and relational dynamics (like ego states, games, and scripts) that may be causing difficulties. For individuals processing the impact of past difficult experiences or trauma, I deeply integrate TA to understand how events shape present responses and foster new, healthier life patterns. My approach can explore your here-and-now issues or delve into unresolved childhood situations that need attention.

You possess the courageousness to move forward in a way that is right for you. I value genuine connection and ensure all clients are treated with the utmost respect, acknowledging your human rights within the therapy space.

Individual sessions are 50 minutes at £60. Couple sessions are 90 minutes at £120.

What You Can Expect

When you work with me, you can expect a confidential and non-judgmental space where you can freely explore your feelings and concerns. Our sessions will be tailored to your unique situation, whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or the impact of trauma. We'll collaboratively explore your personal patterns, understand their origins, and develop practical strategies. My aim is to help you gain clarity, build stronger relationships, improve emotional regulation, and enhance your overall well-being and personal growth. You'll be supported to unlock your inner strength and move towards a life that feels more meaningful to you.

Your First Session

Your first session will be a collaborative space for us to get to know each other. We'll start by contracting, which means we'll discuss confidentiality, how long each session lasts, and the cost. This agreement sets clear guidelines for both of us, ensuring your safety and outlining what you can expect from our work together.

This initial session is also your opportunity to share what you're hoping for from counselling and talk through some of the issues you're facing. We'll explore if counselling feels like the right step for you. Building a comfortable and safe relationship begins from our very first contact, and it's essential that you feel at ease working with me.

About My Practice

People often come to counselling when something no longer feels manageable — perhaps you’re feeling stuck in familiar patterns, carrying more than you can hold alone, or struggling to make sense of your emotions or relationships. You might sense that something needs attention, even if you’re unsure where to begin.

People often come to counselling when something no longer feels manageable — perhaps you’re feeling stuck in familiar patterns, carrying more than you can hold alone, or struggling to make sense of your emotions or relationships. You might have a sense that something needs attention, even if you’re unsure where to begin.

As an integrative counsellor, I draw on person-centred therapy, transactional analysis (TA), and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to tailor sessions to your unique needs. I work with both individuals and couples. For couples, my practice is strongly informed by TA, helping explore communication patterns and relational dynamics such as ego states, games, and scripts. For individuals processing the impact of past difficult experiences or trauma, I integrate TA to understand how earlier events shape present responses and to support the development of healthier life patterns. We can explore your here-and-now concerns or, where helpful, gently attend to unresolved childhood experiences.

You possess the courage to move forward in a way that feels right for you. I value genuine connection and ensure all clients are treated with the utmost respect, acknowledging your autonomy and human rights within the therapy space.

Individual sessions are 50 minutes at £65. Couple sessions are 90 minutes at £120.

What to Expect

Reaching out for counselling often happens during times of change, loss, or emotional overwhelm. You may be feeling anxious, low, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward — even if you’ve been coping for a long time. Sometimes people arrive knowing something isn’t quite right but without clear words for what they need.

I work with individuals who want a space to slow things down, reflect, and make sense of what’s happening internally and in their relationships. My approach is relational, thoughtful, and grounded in experience. I place strong importance on creating a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel able to explore things at your own pace.

My experience spans a range of settings, including GP surgeries, detox units, community drug and alcohol services, NHS services, and private practice. This breadth of work allows me to support people presenting with a wide spectrum of emotional and psychological difficulties, from long-standing patterns to more immediate challenges.

I have particular experience supporting people with bereavement, anxiety, depression, addiction, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. I also work with difficulties such as PTSD, OCD, phobias, social anxiety, and health anxiety. I understand how consuming and limiting these experiences can feel, and I work carefully to help people loosen their hold and find steadier ways of coping and relating.

My integrative approach means I draw on different therapeutic models to tailor support to your individual needs. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change, and I aim to offer compassionate, evidence-informed support that helps you build understanding, resilience, and lasting emotional well-being. I see therapy as a collaborative process, and I will walk alongside you as you work towards change that feels right for you.

Alongside my clinical work, I value connection and clear communication in my own life, which continues to inform the way I work with clients.

​

Your First Session

In our first session, we will spend time getting to know each other and talking through what has brought you to counselling. You are welcome to share as much or as little as feels comfortable. My aim is to create a steady, supportive space where you can begin to speak openly, without pressure or expectation, and where we can consider together whether counselling feels like the right step for you at this time.

Patrick Breheny - Clinical Supervisor & Integrative Counsellor/Psychotherapist (Â鶹ԭ´´)

I'm a highly experienced and qualified practitioner offering both clinical supervision and therapy. My Level 7 training in clinical supervision is grounded in the Seven-Eyed Model, providing a robust framework for supporting supervisees in their professional development. This model allows for a comprehensive exploration of client work, ethical considerations, and the supervisee's own process, fostering growth and reflective practice.

As a Â鶹ԭ´´-registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I also bring extensive experience working directly with clients facing a wide range of challenges. This dual perspective informs my supervisory approach, allowing me to understand the complexities of client work from both sides.

Clinical Supervision:

I provide a supportive and challenging space for supervisees to explore their work, enhance their skills, and navigate ethical dilemmas. My Seven-Eyed Model approach allows for a multifaceted understanding of the therapeutic process, including:

The client: Understanding their presenting issues and needs.

The client in the system: Considering the broader context of their lives.

The therapist's interventions: Examining the effectiveness of chosen approaches.

The therapist's process: Exploring their own reactions and countertransference.

The supervisory relationship: Utilising the relationship as a vehicle for learning.

The supervisor's process: Reflecting on my own contributions to the supervisory dynamic.

The wider context: Considering professional, ethical, and societal influences.

I work with qualified and trainee counsellors/psychotherapists across various modalities. My aim is to empower supervisees to develop their unique style, enhance their clinical judgment, and maintain ethical practice.

What to expect (Supervision):

First session: We'll discuss your experience, theoretical orientation, and specific supervision needs, ensuring a good fit for our working relationship.

Supervision: A confidential, collaborative space to reflect on your client work, explore challenges, and develop your skills. We'll focus on enhancing your clinical judgment, ethical practice, and self-awareness as a therapist.

My focus: Empowering you to develop your unique supervisory style, integrate the Seven-Eyed Model into your practice, and navigate the complexities of the therapeutic relationship.

Contact me to discuss your supervision or therapy needs.