John Mackessy

Psychotherapist & Integrative Counsellor

John Mackessy

Psychotherapist & Integrative Counsellor

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

Pronouns - He/Him

Neurodivergence and Trauma Therapy for Adults

Over the past 25 years in mental health, training and personal development, I’ve worked with a wide range of client needs and developed particular expertise in neurodivergence and trauma. Over the past two years especially, my primary focus has been on the intersection between neurodivergence and trauma, an area that is increasingly recognised as both complex and deeply impactful.

My trauma work began in 2003 at Witness Against Abuse, supporting survivors of abuse. Trauma-informed practice has remained central to my work ever since.

Specialist Support for ADHD, Autism and Neurodivergent Adults

I specialise in working with neurodivergent adults, including those with ADHD, Autism / Asperger’s, dyspraxia and related differences, as well as individuals with sensory disabilities and those navigating issues of identity, belonging and experiences of ‘difference’.

Currently, neurodiversity is my main area of research, teaching and supervision, and around 80% of my clients identify as neurodivergent in one or more ways. Many describe a long and painful journey towards clarity or diagnosis, often feeling they have ‘fallen through the cracks’ of medical or educational systems. Difficult experiences in childhood, education or the workplace frequently affect self-esteem and can lead to imposter syndrome, masking, perfectionism, a harsh inner critic and persistent feelings of inadequacy.

An Integrative and Trauma-Informed Approach

Clients describe me as warm and approachable. I believe therapy must offer a foundation of trust and safety. As an integrative therapist, I draw on a range of approaches and tailor therapy to each individual. My aim is to help clients develop insight, resilience and confidence — enabling them to navigate anxiety, low mood, trauma responses and life’s wider challenges with greater steadiness and self-understanding.

Qualifications, Teaching and Professional Background

I qualified as an Integrative Counsellor in 2005 and later gained an MA (Distinction) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and a Diploma in Clinical Supervision. My Master’s research was published in Self & Society: International Journal of Humanistic Psychology, and I have contributed chapters on psychotherapy for Routledge and other publishers. Alongside private practice, I teach and supervise, which continually informs and deepens my work.

My wider professional background includes roles in the charity and education sectors, including Witness Against Abuse, MIND, RNIB and London Met. I have developed programmes in communication skills, assertiveness, mindfulness and personal development — experience I bring into my work with adult clients today.

If you feel I may be able to help, I would be very happy to arrange an initial conversation so you can get a sense of what working together might feel like.

Areas of Specialism

Neurodiversity

• Neurodiversity

• Neurodivergent Linked Trauma

• Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• ADHD

• Dyspraxia and related differences

  Anxiety Problems

• Stress

• Generalised (GAD)

• Panic / Panic Attacks

• Performance Anxiety

• Social Anxiety

• 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

• 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;

• Anger

• Anxiety - Separation

• Anxiety - Fears of abandonment

• Body Image Problems

• Depression - Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Self Harm

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Health conditions - Acute / Long Term

• Trauma - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Trauma - Complex PTSD

• Career Coaching

Therapeutic Approaches & Models

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Coaching (Career / Life)

• Mindfulness

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Integrative Therapy

• Interpersonal therapy

• Person-centred therapy

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Gestalt therapy

• Narrative therapy

• Trauma-Informed Therapy

• Attachment-Based Therapy

• Transactional Analysis 

• Attachment Theory

John works with:

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

Professional Training & Accreditations

• 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)

• Practice Zen meditation