Michael Leunig, BACP

Michael Leunig is a member of the BACP and a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist who combines lived experience with professional training to support people through difficult life moments. Born in Germany and raised in a family that moved frequently, his early life included childhood trauma and periods of depression and anger. Those experiences shaped his route into therapeutic work and inform a compassionate, grounded approach to helping others.

His own healing journey began with mindfulness, leading him to become a Mindfulness Master Practitioner and to teach mindfulness courses for groups and other therapists. He went on to study Counselling and Psychotherapy at Salford University, earning a degree that he describes as a proud milestone. Michael also trained in clinical hypnotherapy, gaining accreditation with the GHR as a clinical hypnotherapist and recognised supervisor, and now teaches courses in hypnotherapy as well.

Michael has worked for Mind, the UK mental health charity, and took part in the Blue Lights scheme, supporting police, firefighters, ICU nurses, and counter-terrorism officers. He has provided therapy in various NHS surgeries across the North of England using Solution-Focused Therapy and now runs an award-winning private practice noted for psychotherapy and clinical hypnotherapy. He also serves as Mind Coach for the Oldham Rugby League Football Team.

Adopting an integrative stance, Michael draws on Person-Centred methods, Transactional Analysis, Cognitive Behavioural techniques, clinical hypnosis, mindfulness, Emotional Freedom Technique, and life coaching to tailor support. He aims to help people move past stuckness - whether rooted in grief, trauma, separation, or other life challenges - and to discover their own path forward.

Mindfulness, Hypnotherapy, and Client-Centred Work Online

Michael Leunig integrates mindfulness practice into his work by teaching techniques that help people become more present, notice unhelpful patterns, and manage stress and emotional reactions. Mindfulness is often useful for anxiety, depression, and for rebuilding resilience after difficult experiences.

He also offers clinical hypnotherapy, using guided relaxation and focused attention to support changes in habit, reduce anxiety, and explore resources for coping and recovery. Hypnotherapy can complement other talking therapies when clients want a practical way to access calm and concentrate on change.

Rooted in a client-centred stance, Michael prioritises an empathic, nonjudgmental relationship where the client’s own perspective guides the work. This approach helps people feel heard and supports personal insight and self-directed change.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process - Michael works with each person to find the mix of methods that fits their needs, goals, and preferences. Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility to fit busy lives, reduce travel, and maintain continuity of care across locations.