- Stress and anxiety
- Life purpose
- Family concerns
About John
John Phelan is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has 15 years of clinical experience in the United Kingdom. He works with people dealing with stress and anxiety, family tensions, grief, self-esteem and career questions. He also focuses on life purpose and related concerns such as fatherhood issues, isolation and multicultural matters.
John keeps sessions straightforward and conversational. He listens to what is worrying you and helps you name the next practical steps. Many people come to him when they feel stuck after a relationship shift, job change or loss. He aims to make the work clear and manageable rather than complex or academic.
When someone wants to understand patterns from the past, John uses psychodynamic ideas to look at how earlier relationships affect present behaviour. He also uses client-centred methods to focus on what matters most to the person in front of him. Solution-focused techniques are used to identify small, achievable changes that can make daily life feel easier.
He has experience supporting people with attachment concerns, autism and Asperger Syndrome, communication struggles, control issues and shame or guilt. He also works with practical problems such as hoarding and difficulties around forgiveness. John describes his role as helping people clarify their priorities and take realistic steps forward.
To begin, he asks a few questions to understand your situation and what you hope to change. That helps shape the first appointments and what to try next. Sessions are conducted in English and John accepts international clients.
How his therapeutic approaches translate to online work
John uses client-centred work to focus on what matters to the individual, helping people clarify their worries and priorities in clear, practical terms. This approach centres the conversation on the person rather than the technique and suits issues like low confidence and life purpose concerns.He also draws on psychodynamic ideas to look at how past relationships influence current patterns. That can help when someone wants to understand recurring difficulties, such as attachment or repeated conflicts. Solution-focused methods are used to set small, concrete goals and to test simple changes that can ease day-to-day stress.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. John treats this as a collaborative process and will help you decide which methods to try based on your needs, goals and preferences. He adjusts the focus as you notice what is most helpful.
Session formats are not specified in the original biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They can also allow people to take part from different locations, which helps those who cannot attend in person.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem and career questions, and addresses life purpose and family-related concerns.
How would he approach someone feeling stuck?
He combines client-centred listening with psychodynamic reflection and solution-focused steps to clarify patterns and set practical next actions.
How much experience does he have?
He has 15 years of counselling experience working with a range of emotional and practical issues.
What are his professional credentials and where is he based?
He is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works from the United Kingdom.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with him?
International clients are accepted; check local regulations where relevant before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.