Steven Pointon

I currently have availability, which will increase in October 2026 due to the end of a contract. I will be away for 10 days from 22nd August

I offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about whatever is on your mind. My approach is primarily Person-Centred, which means I believe you are the expert in your own life. Rather than telling you what to do, I will work alongside you, listening with empathy, curiosity and acceptance, helping you to better understand yourself, your experiences and the changes you may wish to make.

Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my work. I understand that reaching out for counselling can feel daunting, so I aim to create an environment where you feel safe, heard and valued from our very first session.

Alongside my Person-Centred foundation, I also draw on elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) where appropriate. ACT can help you develop psychological flexibility, enabling you to live in line with your values even when facing difficult thoughts and emotions. CFT supports the development of self-compassion, particularly if you struggle with self-criticism, shame or feelings of not being good enough.

Every person is unique, so I tailor therapy to your individual needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, bereavement, relationship difficulties, stress, low self-esteem, or adjusting to a significant life event or health diagnosis, we will work together at a pace that feels right for you.

Having experienced my own cancer journey and retrained as a counsellor afterwards, I have a particular understanding of the emotional impact that life-changing illness can have. While this informs my empathy, our work will always be centred on your experiences and what matters most to you.

My aim is to help you feel understood, develop greater self-awareness and resilience, and support you in moving towards a life that feels more meaningful and fulfilling.

Choosing the right counsellor is an important step, and I understand that beginning therapy can feel daunting. My aim is to provide a warm, confidential and supportive space where you feel safe to explore whatever has brought you to counselling.

I work with adults experiencing a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, life transitions and the emotional impact of significant health diagnoses. I have a particular specialism in bereavement and loss, supporting people through the death of a loved one, anticipatory grief, and the many different forms of loss that life can bring. Grief is deeply personal, and I offer a compassionate space where you can make sense of your emotions at your own pace, without judgement.

I also have extensive experience supporting people affected by cancer and long-term health conditions. Having experienced my own cancer journey, I understand how diagnosis, treatment and survivorship can affect not only the individual but also those closest to them. Whether you are living with cancer, supporting someone who is, or adjusting to life after treatment, I offer a space where you can talk openly about your experiences.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, explore what has brought you to counselling, and discuss what you hope to gain from therapy. It also gives us the chance to decide whether we're the right fit to work together.

I offer both short-term and longer-term counselling, tailoring my approach to your individual needs. Sessions move at your pace, and together we'll work towards helping you better understand yourself, navigate life's challenges and move forward with greater confidence and self-compassion.

Above all, I believe everyone deserves to feel heard. Sometimes having someone who will truly listen can be the first step towards healing, growth and positive change.

I understand that taking the first step into counselling can feel daunting, so I aim to make the process as straightforward and welcoming as possible.

If you'd like to speak with me before booking your first appointment, I offer a free 10-minute introductory telephone call. This gives you the opportunity to ask any initial questions, find out a little about how I work, and decide whether you feel comfortable taking the next step. There is no obligation to book a session afterwards.

Before your first appointment, I'll send you practical information about attending your session, including details of the premises, parking and how to find me. If we're meeting online, I'll provide all the information and links you'll need in advance, so you can join the session with confidence.

Our first counselling session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We'll explore what has brought you to counselling, what you hope to gain from therapy, and I'll explain how I work. There is plenty of time for you to ask any questions, and together we'll consider whether we feel we're the right fit to work together.

There is no formal assessment and no expectation for you to tell me everything in our first meeting. We will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. My priority is to create a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you feel listened to, respected and understood.

Finding the right counsellor is an important part of the therapeutic process, so there is no pressure or expectation to continue beyond the first session. My hope is that you'll leave feeling heard, supported and with a clearer sense of whether I'm the right counsellor to accompany you on your journey.