John Mackessy

Psychotherapist & Integrative Counsellor

MA, Adv Dip Counselling, Dip Clinical Supervision, MBACP (Accred,)

Pronouns - He/Him

Many clients have told me that they find me warm and approachable, which is important to me, as the relationship in therapy needs to create a foundation of trust and security, especially where a client needs to explore and work through their own history or personal circumstances. For others, their needs might take the work in quite a different direction, with more focused skills-based input from myself (using CBT and other resources). As an Integrative practitioner I adapt my work to my clients’ needs, helping them to gain the skills, resilience and confidence to move forward and face not only life’s challenges but deal with their own moods, fears and anxieties.

I qualified as as an Integrative Counsellor in 2005 – this means that I’m trained in several approaches to counselling and psychotherapy. I have since gained a Master’s Degree (Distinction) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and a Diploma in Clinical Supervision. My master’s thesis was expanded and published as a series in Self & Society, International Journal of Humanistic Psychology. I have also published several chapters on psychotherapy for Routledge.

Aside from private practice my work has been in the charity and education sectors, with survivors of abuse (Witness Against Abuse), mental health (MIND), disability (RNIB), and personal development (London Met). I have set up projects to develop communication skills, assertiveness, mindfulness and other aspects of personal/professional development. I bring this to my work with individuals too.

I also bring many years of experience working with a wide range of people and concerns, such as depression, anxiety, stress, issues of identity, neurodiversity, relationship problems, the search for meaning and fulfilment and much else.

John specialises in the treatment of;

• Anxiety Problems

  Stress

  Generalised (GAD)

  Health Anxiety

  Panic / Panic Attacks

  Performance Anxiety

  Social Anxiety

• Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Bi-Polar Disorder

• Depression - Low Mood

• Depression - Major

• Emotional Regulation

• Family Issues - Adoption

• Family Issues - Conflict

• Gender Identity Issues

• Grief / Bereavement / Loss

• LGBTQI+ Related Issues

• Low Self-Esteem

• Parenting Issues

• Perfectionism

• Relationship Problems

  Attachment issues

  Codependency

  Communication difficulties

  Doubt in relationship

  Infidelity, affairs & betrayals

  Intimacy

  Separation & Divorce

• Trauma - Childhood Trauma

• Work - General

• Work - Bullying

• Work - Stress

• Neurodiversity

• Personal and professional development

• Assertiveness

• Communication skills

  LGBTQI+ Inclusive - I am a practitioner committed to affirming diversity. My experience encompasses extensive work with clients from various backgrounds, including those undergoing gender transition. My goal is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.

John can also treat the following problems;

• ADHD

• Anger

• Anxiety - Separation

• Anxiety - Fears of abandonment

• Body Image Problems

• Chronic Fatigue / ME

• Depression - Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Self Harm

• Family Issues - Blended families

• Infertility

• Miscarriage

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Personality Disorders

• Health conditions - Acute / Long Term

• Sleep - Problems

• Sleep - Insomnia

• Trauma - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Trauma - Complex PTSD

• Career Coaching

• Work - Redundancy

Therapeutic Models & Approaches John can use within his practice:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Coaching (Career / Life)

• Mindfulness

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Integrative Therapy

• Interpersonal therapy

• Person-centred therapy

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Schema

• Gestalt therapy

• Narrative therapy

• Trauma-Informed Therapy

• Attachment-Based Therapy

• Transactional Analysis

John works with:

All adults, across the whole age range from 18 years + 

John’s Training, qualifications & experience.

• MBACP Accredited since 2010

• Diploma in Clinical Supervision (2012, BACP recognized qualification)

• MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Distinction, awarded 2018)

• Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (2005)

• BA in Comparative Religion (First Class Honours, 1997)

• CELTA (Cert in English Language Teaching to Adults, Grade B, 1998)

• Practice Zen meditation