Michael Leunig , BACP

Michael Leunig is a UK-based counsellor and psychotherapist who brings personal experience and professional training to his clinical work. Born in Germany and raised in a family that moved frequently, he draws on early life challenges and his own recovery from depression and anger issues to inform a compassionate, practical approach. He trained in mindfulness early in his healing journey, becoming a Mindfulness Master Practitioner and later teaching mindfulness courses to groups and other therapists.

Michael completed a degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Salford University and went on to train in clinical hypnotherapy, now teaching courses in that field as well. He is a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and is accredited with the GHR, a register for clinical hypnotherapy professionals, which recognises his role as a hypnotherapist and supervisor. His career includes work for the UK mental health charity Mind, involvement with the Blue Lights scheme supporting emergency services staff, and roles in NHS surgeries across the North of England where he used Solution-Focused Therapy.

Now in private practice, Michael has led a multi-award winning psychotherapy and clinical hypnotherapy service and serves as Mind Coach for the Oldham Rugby League Football Team. He uses an integrative method that draws on person-centred principles, Transactional Analysis, cognitive-behavioural techniques, clinical hypnosis, mindfulness, Emotional Freedom Technique, and life coaching to help people move past grief, trauma, addiction, relationship rupture, career challenges, and other forms of feeling stuck. He aims to walk alongside clients, helping them uncover their own answers and move toward the life they want.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Michael Leunig

Michael Leunig blends several practical methods to support people online. Mindfulness Therapy helps clients build present-moment awareness and skills to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional reactivity, drawing on his training as a Mindfulness Master Practitioner and experience teaching mindfulness to others. Clinical Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access resources for change and can be helpful for habits, phobias, pain management, and confidence building. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises a respectful, non-directive stance where the therapist offers empathy and acceptance while clients explore their own goals and values.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Michael works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and he adjusts the plan as progress unfolds. This collaborative exploration helps create a tailored pathway for recovery and growth.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video calls or phone, and shorter contacts are possible via live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to access therapy from different locations and around work or family commitments, and they support ongoing care for both local and international clients who prefer remote support.