John Cleary

As daunting as beginning or returning to therapy can seem it also displays a sincere individual desire for understanding, change and personal growth. John’s approach is to work collaboratively within a trusting therapeutic relationship, holding in mind a range of psychological therapeutic theories, and tailored  towards working towards the client’s individual needs. John strives to provide a safe, confidential, non-judgemental environment promoting psychological wellbeing, where the client may begin, in a positive and balanced way to openly explore their thoughts and feeling around areas of their lives that may be the cause of pain, discomfort or frustration.

Working as an Integrative Counsellor and with a BA Hons in therapeutic psychology John’s works with both past and present life experiences. He believes that insight, self-awareness  and an understanding of our needs can help us develop and access our inner human resources that may be hidden from us. From a psychodynamic perspective John’s believes in early attachment and its ability to provide an understanding of our inner belief systems and identify behavioural traits that present themselves in social and relational contexts. John uses knowledge of these processes to help the client experience positive change and move towards a more fulfilling way of relating to themselves (self-acceptance) and others.

John has been involved with twelve step work for two decades and has a comprehensive understanding off the addictive personality, behavioural patterns that are employed around addiction and the neurobiological aspects involved. Having worked in an NHS crisis centre throughout covid and witnessed much distress John has experience of helping clients who have faced anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-worth, isolation, relational difficulties, identity issues and work related stress.

John is committed to both short and long term work, understanding that people need “here and now” coping strategies as well as exploring underlying historical issues.

John is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works in private practice at The Awareness Centre in Clapham.