John Ridley

Counselling, psychotherapy and coaching in Soho, London and online

Therapy for stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and sexuality issues, substance use, health conditions and HIV.

Counselling

Many of us experience low mood, stress or anxiety in our lives and the talking therapy that I offer provides a safe space to really help. Sometimes clients just can't put a finger on what is troubling them or causing them to feel blocked - early stages of our work together would sensitively explore this and help to establish goals so that you can, over time, appreciate the progress that you are making.

I have specific Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training to help you if you are experiencing sleep problems, panic, phobias, and some forms of trauma and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I can also help if you find you have difficulty tackling your automatic negative thinking or are struggling to resolve specific problems.

Psychotherapy

Other clients have quite specific difficulties that I am experienced to help you with. I often work with clients whose stress, anxiety or depression is linked to some underlying causes. These include relationship problems, issues related to sexuality and acceptance, substance use including alcohol and chemsex, long term health conditions and HIV.

Coaching

Coaching really works, whether you are seeking increased clarity and direction, improved performance and productivity, or enhanced personal and professional growth. I will help you identify goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve your aspirations through my guidance and support. I will offer you tools and strategies to boost your confidence, develop your skills, improve your assertiveness and navigate challenges effectively.

Working Together

During our initial assessment appointment, we will explore what you are seeking to achieve through our working together. We will agree review points to make sure that our work together is giving you the support you need and is providing value for money.

I understand that you are likely reaching out because you feel a need for someone to support you in working through some difficulties or challenges in life. These may be personal, professional, to do with relationships, or arise from things that have happened in the past. Always coming from a starting point of empathy, compassion and acceptance, I offer impactful counselling, psychotherapy and coaching. I will be creative in my thinking, adapting to your needs and preferred ways of exploring and understanding. This is informed by rigorous training, the latest research and my own experience of what works.

I work integratively, drawing upon a range of disciplines and techniques. My core counselling training is person-centred (Humanistic). I trained at the University of Exeter in low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mental health assessment and psychological wellbeing. I may also draw upon Gestalt, Transactional Analysis and Psychodynamic approaches.

My therapeutic approach also builds on my own leadership experience in business change consultancy, finance, entrepreneurship and education. I tailor to each client, for example often combining aspects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy.

My education as an adult is founded on my Master of Arts from Clare College, University of Cambridge. I subsequently undertook significant studies at post-graduate level at UCL Faculty of Education and Society, gaining particular expertise in teaching, child development, special educational needs and neurodiversity.

My work in the NHS (South London and Maudsley Trust), private medical insurance, corporate mental health, the voluntary sector and private practice, means I have the skills, experience and flexibility to meet the needs of my diverse client base.

The first session will include an assessment of your needs and agreement on a plan for our work together, including boundaries and expectations.

To give you an idea of what working with me can be like, here is a testimonial from a previous client:

"John's natural warmth and understanding really helped me to open up. I felt I could honestly explore my feelings about past events and come to understand how these can affect me in the present. I was then able to think abut positive changes for the future in my behaviour, outlook and relationships."