Counsellor profile
Michael Leunig, BACP
Counsellor - stress and trauma
See online counselling options- Client-Centred Therapy
- Mindfulness practice
- Clinical hypnotherapy
About Michael
Counsellor and psychotherapist, member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), with six years' experience working across a range of common mental health concerns. Michael Leunig works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and addiction, and he lists trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem and family matters among his core areas. He also notes work on career issues, coping with life changes and coaching. He speaks English and German and practices in the United Kingdom.
Michael uses straightforward, conversational sessions. He draws on client-centred listening and mindfulness to help people notice what is getting in the way. He also offers hypnotherapy and solution-focused techniques when these suit the person's aims. Sessions look at concrete problems such as panic attacks, sleep disruption, relationship conflict or work stress, and at how to move forward from grief or difficult life events.
He trained at Salford University in counselling and psychotherapy and later studied clinical hypnotherapy, going on to teach mindfulness and hypnotherapy courses. Michael has experience working for the mental health charity Mind and with emergency service staff through a Blue Lights scheme. He also reports work in NHS surgeries in the north of England using solution-focused methods.
In private practice he describes an integrative style, bringing together person-centred approaches, mindfulness, hypnotherapy and solution-focused work. He aims to help people identify practical steps and build coping strategies. Sessions are conversational and goal-oriented when needed, with an emphasis on what the person wants to achieve.
Practical details include use of a subscription model for sessions that can be cancelled at any time. International clients are accepted. To begin, people follow the online matching and booking process to arrange a first session.
How his approaches are used in online counselling
Michael combines client-centred work, mindfulness and hypnotherapy in ways that focus on the person's immediate needs. Client-Centred Therapy means the counsellor listens openly and follows what the person brings to the session, helping them make sense of feelings and choices. Mindfulness Therapy centres on simple awareness exercises that reduce reactivity and support managing stress and anxiety. Clinical hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and suggestion to address habits, panic symptoms, sleep problems and some stress-related issues.Choosing the right approach is a shared task. Michael will discuss options with the person and agree which methods to try based on their goals and preferences. He adapts techniques as progress is reviewed so the work stays practical and relevant.
The practical benefits of remote work can include fitting sessions into a busy week, shorter check-ins when needed, and options that suit quieter surroundings or lower bandwidth. The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online or in-person options before booking. Registered or accredited professionals can offer remote counselling that helps people make changes without travelling to appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English, German
Frequently asked questions
What issues does he commonly help with?
He regularly works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions and trauma-related concerns, plus anger and self-esteem problems.
What is his counselling style like?
He uses an integrative, conversational style drawing on client-centred listening, mindfulness and solution-focused techniques when appropriate.
How much experience does he have?
He has six years' experience working in counselling and psychotherapy settings, including charity and NHS surgery work.
Which professional body is he a member of?
He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and German.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify exact formats.
How are sessions paid for?
Sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time, and cost varies with location.
How do I begin if I want to work with him?
Use the See online counselling options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.