Michael Metcalfe

Person-Centred Counsellor, BA, MBACP

Photo of Michael Metcalfe

Counselling offers an opportunity to slow down, explore what's happening beneath the surface and begin to understand yourself with greater compassion.

Book a free phone consultation
Sessions
In person, online & phone
Location
Liverpool L17 & L1
Fees
From £45

About me

“I believe that every person has their own story, shaped by their experiences, relationships and circumstances.”

You might find yourself going over things in your mind, being hard on yourself or feeling stuck in patterns you don't fully understand.

You might know exactly what's troubling you, or you might have a sense that something isn't right without knowing where to begin. Whatever brings you to counselling, you don't need to have all the answers before we meet.

I'm interested in understanding people as individuals, rather than making assumptions about who they are or what they need.

I also bring a background in teaching, working with young adults from diverse backgrounds and supporting their learning, creativity and development. Outside counselling, I'm passionate about music and enjoy playing the drums and banjo. I love spending time outdoors and observing nature, and I care deeply about social justice and human rights.

Green fells and trees reflected in a still lake under a cloudy sky

My approach

My approach is person-centred. This means that our work begins with you: your experiences, feelings, needs and the things that matter most to you. I aim to offer a warm, accepting and non-judgemental relationship where you can speak openly and feel heard and understood. I'll listen carefully, share reflections and, where appropriate, gently challenge you to help you explore things from a different perspective.

I don't believe there's a one-size-fits-all solution to life's difficulties. Rather than telling you what to do, I'll work alongside you as you make sense of your experiences, understand yourself more deeply and discover what feels right for you. We can begin wherever you are right now and take things at a pace that feels manageable for you.

I have experience supporting people with a range of difficulties, including:

  • Anxiety, low mood and depression
  • Low self-esteem, self-doubt and feelings of shame
  • Anger and difficulties managing emotions
  • Grief, bereavement and other experiences of loss
  • Trauma and difficult past experiences
  • Relationship difficulties and changes in relationships
  • Sexual health concerns
  • Suicidal thoughts and the impact of suicide
  • Fears around death, meaning and the uncertainties of life
  • Financial worries and their impact on wellbeing

You may be experiencing one of these difficulties, several at once, or something that doesn't fit neatly into any category. You don't need to have a particular diagnosis or be able to explain exactly what's wrong to seek counselling.

Alongside my person-centred training, I have studied inner-child work, solution-focused therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and compassion-focused therapy. These approaches offer additional ways of exploring experiences and difficulties when they feel appropriate to our work together. I remain guided by your needs, preferences and what feels helpful to you.

Your first session

Our first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another.

  1. 01

    Getting to know one another

    We'll talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you hope to gain from it and any questions or concerns you may have about the process.

  2. 02

    No need to prepare

    You don't need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say. We can take time to explore what's happening for you and work out together what feels important to focus on.

  3. 03

    Agreeing how we'll work

    We will set up a working contract, which keeps our work safe and professional. We will decide together what form the therapy takes.

  4. 04

    Finding your own way forward

    Counselling isn't about being told how to live your life. It's an opportunity to understand yourself, explore difficult feelings and experiences, and find your own way forward with support.

Qualifications & experience

Qualification
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Qualification
BA (Hons) Philosophy and Sociology
University of Liverpool
Qualification
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Qualification
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Qualification
Suicide awareness training
Experience
Counsellor
Sunflowers, Liverpool
Experience
Teaching
12 years working with adults in education
Membership
Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

Frequently asked questions

Where do sessions take place?

I offer counselling face to face in Liverpool, as well as online (Zoom or Doxy) and by telephone.

  • Aigburth: Sunflowers, 21 Aigburth Road, L17 4JR. A wheelchair-accessible charity supporting people affected by cancer, bereavement and a wider range of difficulties. Parking is available at the front of the building.
  • Liverpool city centre: counselling rooms at 28 Rodney Street, L1 2TQ, within walking distance of Liverpool Central and Lime Street stations, and at a location on Old Hall Street.
How much do sessions cost?

Sessions cost £45–£50. Fees may vary depending on the location, and we can discuss this before arranging sessions.

Concession rates are offered for people on a low income, students, people who are unemployed and refugees. I'd like therapy to be accessible so get in touch and we can talk.

How can I pay?

Bank transfer or cash.

When are you available?

I am available 12:00–21:00 on weekdays, until 17:00 on most Fridays. I am also available for some weekends so get in touch to discuss what might suit you.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes. If you are curious to learn more about what therapy with me might be like, we can have a free 10–15-minute phone consultation. Reaching out can be a difficult step, but there is no commitment required on your part until you are happy that I am the right fit for you and you decide you want to work with me.

What areas can you help with?

Abuse, alcoholism, anxiety, avoidant personality disorder, bereavement, burnout, cancer, depression, eating disorders, emotional abuse, family issues, feeling sad, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), health anxiety, hoarding, jealousy, LGBTQ+ counselling, loneliness, low self-confidence, low self-esteem, narcissistic personality disorder, older people's counselling, panic attacks, perfectionism, social anxiety, spirituality, stress, suicidal thoughts and trauma.

What types of therapy do you offer?

Compassion-focused therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), existential therapy, humanistic therapies, integrative counselling, mindfulness, person-centred therapy, solution focused brief therapy and somatic therapy.

Who do you work with?

Young adults (18–24), adults (25–64) and older adults (65+).

Book a free phone consultation

Thanks!

I've got your details and I'll be in touch soon.

Michael

Reaching out can be a difficult step, but there is no commitment required on your part until you are happy that I am the right fit for you. Leave your details below and I'll be in touch.