Michael Harland, BACP

Michael Harland practices depth-oriented talk therapy, approaching conversation as a tool to reach deeper emotions rather than an end in itself. He places emotional experience at the center of his work, seeing habitual patterns of thinking as defenses that can keep painful feelings out of awareness. By prioritizing feeling over thought, his depth work aims to help clients engage with emotions that have been avoided, long-held, or suppressed, allowing for fuller emotional processing and understanding.

This stance differs from cognitive approaches, which tend to focus on changing thoughts to manage emotions. Michael recognises that there are situations - for example, a current crisis, non-drug-induced psychosis, or the aftermath of extremely severe trauma - where it may be safer or more appropriate to bolster coping strategies rather than to explore the emotional unconscious. In such cases he does not recommend depth therapy and instead advises considering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He also notes that there are many qualified CBT therapists available on the platform.

Michael is accredited by the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - which indicates professional membership and adherence to recognised counselling standards. He welcomes enquiries from people experiencing a wide range of psychological difficulties and looks forward to working with clients who seek a deeper emotional focus in therapy.

Mindfulness and Psychodynamic Support Delivered Online

Mindfulness Therapy is offered as a practical way to build present-moment awareness and to relate to thoughts and sensations with curiosity rather than reactivity. It can be helpful for managing stress, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and repetitive negative thinking by teaching grounded attention and gentle acceptance. Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on exploring patterns that stem from past relationships and unconscious processes, helping people understand how early experiences influence current feelings, attachment, and relationship patterns; this approach can assist with long-standing emotional difficulties, relationship and attachment concerns, and identity-related issues.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process and Michael works collaboratively with each client to determine what fits best. He will discuss goals, preferences, and practical needs and adapt his approach - or combine elements - so the work aligns with what the client hopes to achieve.

Online therapy using video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility and accessibility for people with busy schedules, mobility limits, or who live far from local services. These formats allow licensed professionals and therapists to deliver mindfulness exercises, reflective exploration, and practical coping strategies in ways that suit each client's life and pace.