Michael Blades

I am currently taking on new clients between the hours of Monday - Friday 12pm-8pm.

Hello, I'm Michael Blades

I'm a full member of the UKCP and also a member of the 麻豆原创 (M麻豆原创).

I work with people who want to understand themselves more deeply and move towards a life that feels true to who they are. Some of my clients come with clear struggles; others arrive with only a sense that something isn鈥檛 quite right. However you come, my role is to listen carefully, to stay alongside you, and to help you explore at your own pace.

I work in a way that balances practicality with depth. Some sessions might focus on immediate challenges and coping day to day. Others may look more closely at the patterns, experiences, or questions that sit underneath. However the work unfolds, it鈥檚 led by what matters to you.

My approach is integrative and grounded in both professional training and a respect for the whole person. Integrative therapy simply means I draw on a range of different therapeutic approaches rather than relying on just one model. This allows the work to be flexible and responsive to your unique needs, meeting you where you are, and supporting you in the way that feels most helpful.

My qualifications include:

MSc Psychotherapy (Newman University).

PG Dip Psychotherapeutic Studies (Newman University).

Dip Adult Psychotherapy (Northern Guild for Psychotherapy; UKCP accredited training).

Dip Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Northern Guild for Psychotherapy; UKCP & 麻豆原创 accredited training).

Alongside working with everyday struggles, I also welcome deeper questions of identity, meaning, and spirituality, creating a space for the whole of the human experience, whether psyche, soul or spirit.

My practice is based at Acklam Hall in Middlesbrough, a setting that offers both inspiration and a sense of calm. I also offer online sessions for those who prefer to work remotely.

Therapy is a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. In our work together, you鈥檒l be met with warmth, curiosity, and respect 鈥� a relationship that supports you to explore what really matters in your life.

Clients often describe therapy as a process of coming home to themselves: gaining insight, easing old burdens, and discovering new ways of relating to the world. Sometimes this means untangling anxiety, low mood, or the effects of stress and loss. At other times it鈥檚 about exploring identity, creativity, or a deeper sense of meaning and direction.

My intention is to create an environment where you feel safe to be honest and real 鈥� to speak what鈥檚 difficult, to question, to wonder. I don鈥檛 see therapy as about 鈥渇ixing鈥� you, but about understanding and integrating the different parts of your experience so you can live with greater authenticity and freedom.

Sessions tend to unfold naturally, guided by what feels most alive or pressing for you in the moment. Together we鈥檒l explore at a pace that feels right, balancing attention to present concerns with openness to deeper patterns and possibilities for change.

Whether you鈥檙e seeking healing, growth, or clarity, therapy can offer a meaningful space to slow down and listen 鈥� to yourself, to your life, and to what鈥檚 quietly calling for attention.

The first session is an opportunity for us to meet, talk about what brings you to therapy, and get a sense of whether working together feels right. It鈥檚 a gentle introduction rather than an assessment or test 鈥� a space where you can share as much or as little as feels comfortable.

I鈥檒l invite you to tell me something about what鈥檚 been happening in your life and what you hope to gain from therapy. We might explore what has felt difficult recently, what has brought you to this point, and what kind of support you鈥檙e looking for. You鈥檙e also welcome to ask questions about how I work, confidentiality, or anything else that might help you feel at ease.

My role is to listen carefully, help you feel understood, and start to get a sense of the patterns or themes that may be shaping your experience. Together we can decide whether continuing feels like a good fit for you.

Sessions last 50 minutes and are usually held weekly at a regular time. The fee for the first session is the same as ongoing sessions. If you prefer, I also offer sessions online, which follow the same structure and confidentiality as in-person work.