I believe that, regardless of where you've come from, what you've experienced, or the direction you wish to take, initiating the process of therapy could be the gift you give yourself that helps you live your best life.
Finding the right therapist can be challenging and confusing, so I hope this page provides all the information you need to guide you through the process.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
I am a fully qualified Person-Centred Integrative therapist. Using an integrative model of therapy means I draw upon different therapeutic approaches, depending on your needs and goals. I work from a humanistic base, placing great emphasis on building a deep understanding and fostering trusting, empathic, and warm relationships with my clients.
I like to regularly check in with my clients using the Irvin Yalom approach of the Here and Now technique.
As part of my work as a therapist, I undertake ongoing personal and professional development, which includes supervision.
Please check out my Blog about therapy, which explains the what, where, when, and whys in more detail.
My Approach
Training, qualifications & experience
I have achieved a BACP-accredited Advanced Diploma in Person-Centred/Integrative Counselling, as well as a Compassionate Inquiry online short course with Gabor Maté, and a Cruse Bereavement Care Support Foundation Certificate.
I'm also a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means that I work within their Ethical Framework for Good Practice.
I have lots of experience working with men, bereavement and suicide from volunteering at Cruse for two years as a bereavement counsellor.
In addition to heading up the therapy service at the charity Talk Club, I also serve as one of the clinical supervisors who support the therapists.
Here is a list of the areas of counselling I can work with:
Abortion / Abuse / Addiction(s) / Affairs and betrayals / Anger Management / Anxiety / Bereavement / Bullying / Cancer / Carer support / Child-related issues / Depression /Disabilities / Dissociation / Domestic violence / Emotional abuse / Family issues / Feeling sad / Grief and loss / Learning difficulties / Loneliness / Low self-confidence / Low self-esteem / Miscarriage / Panic attacks / Phobias / Physical abuse / Pregnancy and birth / Redundancy / Relationship problems / Self-harm / Separation and divorce / Sexuality / Sexual abuse / Spirituality / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and ideation / Trauma / Work-related stress
In addition to running a growing private practice in Bristol, I am also the co-founder and co-CEO of the men’s mental health charity Talk Club.
Please note that Towergate Insurance fully insures me.
Mr L
Gavin is the only counsellor I have returned to twice, and if I felt the need to seek therapy again for a "tune-up", I would contact him without hesitation. He was able to provide me with what I needed: the space and time to talk, cry and feel my emotions. Gavin has a warmth about him that is reassuring and has a nuanced strength that holds and understands you. Coming from a related professional background, I know a well-versed understanding underpins his approach, and I am grateful and honoured to have worked with him.
Miss. S
I was anxious at first, hearing my counsellor would be a male, I wasn’t sure I’d be comfortable. However, from the very first session, Gavin was so easy to talk to and I felt the most relaxed I have ever felt with a counsellor. It truly felt different, and from the very beginning, he gave me confidence that he could help me; I could also tell that his heart and soul were in helping people. This made a huge difference; he was sincere, calming and very connected. Gavin knew I struggled to release my emotions, so he encouraged me to write down my feelings between sessions. This technique was excellent, it helped me to identify what I was sad and anxious about. Each week, he gave me time to talk through anything that came to light. He listened intently and what amazed me was, that he always remembered where we left off. I trusted Gavin, we talked through so much, and he helped me work through so many feelings and realisations. It’s ok not to be ‘k’. Nothing is too much for a fantastic person who has invested their time in listening and talking to me. I will end by saying' Simply Sup’rb’.
Mr J
I attended counselling with trepidation, never thought I would be in a situation of needing counselling, but after losing my mum, I felt deficient. Gavin was great at understanding me, and throughout each session, I felt increasingly supported, to the point where I felt comfortable very quickly. Eventually, I opened up and discussed various issues I had encountered and the impact they had on me. Grief is something that takes a long time to get through, and with Gavin’s support, I feel more equipped in this process.
Mr E
I felt the space was our own, which hadn't been the case for me in previous counselling sessions.
I felt no judgment and quickly felt a connection with Gavin. It was a very comfortable and calm space. Where I could open up and throw shit at the wall, whatever it might've been.
I’d often discussed my hatred for my current employment, and Gavin quickly helped me realise you can achieve more than you think you can; sometimes we all need a person to help us see that. To believe in you, sometimes we need help, and that's the main thing Gavin did for me.
