Michael Purvis, BACP

Michael Purvis believes counselling can be both restorative and transformative, offering a space to work through difficult experiences and the thoughts, feelings and learned behaviours that follow. He frames therapy as an opportunity to explore a clearer sense of self while addressing practical patterns that cause distress or hold a person back.

He specialises in a wide range of anxiety-related difficulties, including obsessive compulsive tendencies, stress and burnout, challenges with socialising or forming relationships, panic attacks, phobias, and anger management. He also supports people facing loss of purpose after retirement, redundancy or long-term illness, as well as those affected by occupational trauma. These issues are often accompanied by low mood or depression and can significantly interfere with daily life.

In addition to symptom-focused work, he helps clients set and achieve goals across many areas of life, including business, health and wellbeing, career development, relationships and improving work-life balance. Michael holds BACP accreditation - membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - which reflects his adherence to recognised professional standards and ongoing development.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people clarify their values and take committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, low mood and situations where avoidance has become limiting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works by identifying unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns and developing practical strategies to change them - it is often used for anxiety, panic, phobias and depression. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns formed in early relationships and how they affect current bonds and emotional responses; this approach is useful for relationship difficulties, attachment issues and challenges around trust and closeness.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Michael works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals and preferences, and adapts the work as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexibility to fit into busy lives. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction from wherever the client is, phone sessions provide an audio-only option, and live chat or text-based messaging can suit those who prefer writing or need shorter, more frequent check-ins. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to access support alongside everyday commitments.