John Phelan

• Client-Centred Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy

About John

John Phelan works with people on stress, anxiety, family conflict, grief, self-esteem and career concerns using conversational, person-focused counselling. He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has 15 years of experience.

He meets people who are coping with grief and loss, or struggling with motivation and confidence. He also supports those dealing with relationship communication problems and issues around fatherhood and family roles. Sessions are practical and talk-based, with attention to how everyday life is affected.

John uses Client-Centred Therapy to listen and help people make sense of their difficulties. He also draws on Psychodynamic Therapy to look at past patterns that influence current feelings and behaviour. Solution-Focused Therapy is used to set small, achievable steps for change.

His approach aims to be straightforward and respectful. Conversations focus on what is causing distress now, and on small changes that can make a difference. He pays attention to cultural background and issues such as gender identity when these are relevant to the person’s concerns.

John has supported people with attachment issues, autism and Asperger syndrome, hoarding, guilt and shame, isolation, midlife matters and life-purpose questions. He works with men’s issues, multicultural concerns and communication or control problems that affect daily relationships.

People interested in starting are invited to make an initial connection and arrange a first session after a short matching process.

How his therapeutic approaches work in online sessions

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person’s experience to help them find their own direction; it suits people who want a reflective space to talk about feelings and relationships.

Psychodynamic Therapy looks at recurring patterns and early relationships that can influence current behaviour and emotions, which can help with attachment issues and long-standing conflicts.

Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on setting clear, practical goals and finding small steps that lead to change, often useful for short-term problems like stress or career decisions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The counsellor will discuss what seems most useful based on a person’s goals, background and preferences, and will adapt the emphasis as the sessions progress.

Confirm the session formats before booking. The practical benefits of online sessions include fitting counselling into a busy schedule, avoiding travel time and making it easier to attend from different locations. Online work can also allow shorter check-ins when time is limited or sessions without video when bandwidth is low. These options can help counselling fit into everyday life, and the choice of approach and format is decided together with the counsellor.

Topics John lists

• Stress and anxiety
• Family conflicts
• Grief
• Self-esteem
• Career difficulties
• Attachment issues
• Autism and Asperger Syndrome
• Communication problems
• Control issues
• Family problems
• Fatherhood issues
• Forgiveness
• Gender dysphoria
• Guilt and shame
• Hoarding
• Isolation and loneliness
• Life purpose
• Men's issues
• Midlife crisis
• Multicultural concerns
• Prejudice and discrimination
• Self-love
• Social anxiety and phobia
• Workplace issues

Ways of working

• Client-Centred Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy

Questions about John

Does he work with anxiety?

Yes. He works with people who experience anxiety and helps them manage daily symptoms and worrying thoughts.

What kind of counselling does he offer?

He practises Client-Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, using talk-based sessions to address problems.

How much experience does he have?

He has 15 years of counselling experience working with a wide range of concerns.

Is he registered and where is he based?

He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and is based in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

Yes. He accepts international clients.

How are sessions paid for?

Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start working with him?

Select the Talk to a counsellor online button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.