Psychodynamic Counselling in Manchester

Photo of Aleksandra Bukowiec, Counsellor, MBACP
Aleksandra Bukowiec
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Hi, I’m Aleks, a BACP-registered Integrative Counsellor. Life can feel heavy at times, and it’s okay to not have all the answers. I offer a warm, gentle space where you can simply be—no pressure, no judgment. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, lost, or carrying something heavy, you don’t have to face it alone. I’ll walk alongside you with care and compassion, as we gently explore what’s going on beneath the surface. I tailor therapy to fit you—your story, your needs, your pace.
Hi, I’m Aleks, a BACP-registered Integrative Counsellor. Life can feel heavy at times, and it’s okay to not have all the answers. I offer a warm, gentle space where you can simply be—no pressure, no judgment. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, lost, or carrying something heavy, you don’t have to face it alone. I’ll walk alongside you with care and compassion, as we gently explore what’s going on beneath the surface. I tailor therapy to fit you—your story, your needs, your pace.
01942 946128 View 01942 946128
Photo of Craig Budzik, Counsellor, MBACP
Craig Budzik
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Hi, I’m Craig. I am an integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, with experience of using Yoga for anxiety and depression, based in Manchester. I care about helping people navigate those sticky and uncomfortable moments in life. For most of my adult life, I’ve felt a pull towards the helping professions. This pull led me to the realms of counselling, psychotherapy and yoga. I’ve found the tools and skills from these realms transformative in my own development and growth, and in others. I take an integrative approach, bringing concepts, skills and techniques from the psychotherapeutic, yogic and spiritual spheres.
Hi, I’m Craig. I am an integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, with experience of using Yoga for anxiety and depression, based in Manchester. I care about helping people navigate those sticky and uncomfortable moments in life. For most of my adult life, I’ve felt a pull towards the helping professions. This pull led me to the realms of counselling, psychotherapy and yoga. I’ve found the tools and skills from these realms transformative in my own development and growth, and in others. I take an integrative approach, bringing concepts, skills and techniques from the psychotherapeutic, yogic and spiritual spheres.
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Photo of Amy Watts, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Amy Watts
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I offer a personalised, integrative approach, blending CBT, Humanistic, Systemic, and Psychodynamic methods.
People come to therapy for many reasons. Some are dealing with anxiety, low mood, stress, or relationship issues; others feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next steps. Many want a space where they can talk openly, feel heard, and understand themselves better. Therapy can support people in making sense of emotions and experiences, managing challenges, and developing skills that help them feel more balanced, confident, and connected to themselves. Therapy with me is just that, it's tailored to you and your unique needs and therapy goals.
I offer a personalised, integrative approach, blending CBT, Humanistic, Systemic, and Psychodynamic methods.
People come to therapy for many reasons. Some are dealing with anxiety, low mood, stress, or relationship issues; others feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next steps. Many want a space where they can talk openly, feel heard, and understand themselves better. Therapy can support people in making sense of emotions and experiences, managing challenges, and developing skills that help them feel more balanced, confident, and connected to themselves. Therapy with me is just that, it's tailored to you and your unique needs and therapy goals.
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Photo of Roger Jayamanne, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Roger Jayamanne
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
With years as a Buddhist monk and an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King's College London, I bring rigorous evidence-based practice and profound embodied understanding. I'm pursuing a PhD in psychology and the therapeutic process. Suffering with mental health can feel overwhelming—going in circles, losing touch with your lifestyle, wondering if relief is possible. I integrate ancient contemplative wisdom with modern neuroscience to help clients create deep, lasting change. As an integrative psychotherapist, I work holistically—addressing thought patterns, emotional regulation, and embodied experience.
With years as a Buddhist monk and an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King's College London, I bring rigorous evidence-based practice and profound embodied understanding. I'm pursuing a PhD in psychology and the therapeutic process. Suffering with mental health can feel overwhelming—going in circles, losing touch with your lifestyle, wondering if relief is possible. I integrate ancient contemplative wisdom with modern neuroscience to help clients create deep, lasting change. As an integrative psychotherapist, I work holistically—addressing thought patterns, emotional regulation, and embodied experience.
0161 524 4147 View 0161 524 4147
Photo of Peggy Anyfantaki, Psychotherapist, MSc, BPC
Peggy Anyfantaki
Psychotherapist, MSc, BPC
I'm a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist working with people who may struggle with the impact of traumatic childhood/life experiences, depression, anxiety, personality difficulties and relationship issues.
If you are looking for help with emotional and relationship difficulties, psychotherapy can help you to explore your current difficulties and to understand those in the context of your life. Therapy can help you to identify destructive patterns in relationships and to see how these are rooted in the past and explore the unconscious dynamics behind them.
I'm a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist working with people who may struggle with the impact of traumatic childhood/life experiences, depression, anxiety, personality difficulties and relationship issues.
If you are looking for help with emotional and relationship difficulties, psychotherapy can help you to explore your current difficulties and to understand those in the context of your life. Therapy can help you to identify destructive patterns in relationships and to see how these are rooted in the past and explore the unconscious dynamics behind them.
0161 509 2129 View 0161 509 2129
Photo of Martin Spencer, Counsellor, MBACP
Martin Spencer
Counsellor, MBACP
I can also use techniques from CBT, psychodynamic and person centred counselling.
I am happy to work with anyone who asks for my help, but I specialise in helping people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome and other neurodiversities, such as ADHD (you might have one of these or are close to someone who has.). I am experienced in helping young people (over the age of 13.)
I can also use techniques from CBT, psychodynamic and person centred counselling.
I am happy to work with anyone who asks for my help, but I specialise in helping people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome and other neurodiversities, such as ADHD (you might have one of these or are close to someone who has.). I am experienced in helping young people (over the age of 13.)
01457 605981 View 01457 605981
Photo of Dr Wendy Macdonald, Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Wendy Macdonald
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
The therapy I have trained in is Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT)
I believe that any of us have the capacity to make changes in our lives and relationships. I am committed in my work to enable and support people to bring about longed for improvements. I think that relationships with self and others are central to this process. I feel passionate about supporting and enabling my clients to bring about desired changes in their lives and relationships. I have successfully worked for over 10 years with clients who present with a broad range of difficulties. I do my upmost to provide clients with an understanding of their problems and ways in which they can work towards positive change.
The therapy I have trained in is Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT)
I believe that any of us have the capacity to make changes in our lives and relationships. I am committed in my work to enable and support people to bring about longed for improvements. I think that relationships with self and others are central to this process. I feel passionate about supporting and enabling my clients to bring about desired changes in their lives and relationships. I have successfully worked for over 10 years with clients who present with a broad range of difficulties. I do my upmost to provide clients with an understanding of their problems and ways in which they can work towards positive change.
0161 524 0083 View 0161 524 0083
Photo of Dave Foy, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Dave Foy
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches including Psychodynamic and Person Centred schools.
I am a BACP registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. I view therapy as an honest, meaningful conversation between two people where you will feel heard and understood. My style is friendly and down-to-earth, with a focus on building a genuine connection and then using this as the basis for exploring aspects of your life that are holding you back. I appreciate that starting any kind of personal work may be daunting and can bring up feelings of anxiety, so I place a great deal of emphasis on making sure the relationship is a good fit and we work at a pace that promotes a sense of safety before we begin to work at depth
I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches including Psychodynamic and Person Centred schools.
I am a BACP registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. I view therapy as an honest, meaningful conversation between two people where you will feel heard and understood. My style is friendly and down-to-earth, with a focus on building a genuine connection and then using this as the basis for exploring aspects of your life that are holding you back. I appreciate that starting any kind of personal work may be daunting and can bring up feelings of anxiety, so I place a great deal of emphasis on making sure the relationship is a good fit and we work at a pace that promotes a sense of safety before we begin to work at depth
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Photo of Chris Tucker, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Chris Tucker
Psychotherapist, MBACP
1 Endorsed
I use integrative therapy — person-centred, psychodynamic, and existential approaches.
Many of the clients I work with are high-functioning, anxious, and self-critical — people who can’t switch off no matter how hard they try. I’m here to help you find steadier ground, where rest feels safe and you can finally exhale. If this sounds familiar, you might recognise yourself in what follows. There’s always something to fix, control, or get right. You’re terrified of getting something wrong. “Feedback” feels like failure. You replay conversations, rewrite emails, and double-check locks and feelings alike.
 You can’t remember the last time you could just be. You don't know how to stop
I use integrative therapy — person-centred, psychodynamic, and existential approaches.
Many of the clients I work with are high-functioning, anxious, and self-critical — people who can’t switch off no matter how hard they try. I’m here to help you find steadier ground, where rest feels safe and you can finally exhale. If this sounds familiar, you might recognise yourself in what follows. There’s always something to fix, control, or get right. You’re terrified of getting something wrong. “Feedback” feels like failure. You replay conversations, rewrite emails, and double-check locks and feelings alike.
 You can’t remember the last time you could just be. You don't know how to stop
View
Photo of Ben Dawson, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Ben Dawson
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Hi, my name is Ben and I am a Consult Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist at Project Trauma. I set up Project Trauma to provide the kind of personalised, compassionate psychological support that people need following events in their life which they have struggled to cope with. Psychological distress can affect anyone and everyone will have a different reaction to traumatic events in their life. We all have different tolerance and ways of coping, but at some stage in our life we will all need help from somewhere.
Hi, my name is Ben and I am a Consult Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist at Project Trauma. I set up Project Trauma to provide the kind of personalised, compassionate psychological support that people need following events in their life which they have struggled to cope with. Psychological distress can affect anyone and everyone will have a different reaction to traumatic events in their life. We all have different tolerance and ways of coping, but at some stage in our life we will all need help from somewhere.
0161 375 1612 View 0161 375 1612
Photo of Athina Patsoule, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Athina Patsoule
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Online Only
I am a psychologist and certified psychotherapist ECP, registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Strasbourg and I specialised in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations in Greece. Since 2010, I have been working privately and also collaborating with various public and private organisations, offering individual, couples and group counselling and psychotherapy as well as parenting counselling. I currently work online and I offer sessions in Greek, French and English.
I am a psychologist and certified psychotherapist ECP, registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Strasbourg and I specialised in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations in Greece. Since 2010, I have been working privately and also collaborating with various public and private organisations, offering individual, couples and group counselling and psychotherapy as well as parenting counselling. I currently work online and I offer sessions in Greek, French and English.
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Photo of Dr Erica McInnis, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Erica McInnis
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Member of the Institute of Psychotherapy and Disability (IPD) for impact of disability and psychodynamic processes.
Over 20 years as a Highly Specialised Clinical Psychologist in the NHS developed my skills in improving wellbeing particularly for Black/ Caribbean people (of African ancestry, including multiple heritage). Day to day pressures can be overwhelming without appropriate support and understanding for the many cultures we co-exist within. My interest in the psychological impact of disability makes me ideal for adjusting to such issues. Specialist training in offering a therapeutic chair to people with learning disabilities means level of ability is not a barrier to enhancing wellbeing for individuals and families.
Member of the Institute of Psychotherapy and Disability (IPD) for impact of disability and psychodynamic processes.
Over 20 years as a Highly Specialised Clinical Psychologist in the NHS developed my skills in improving wellbeing particularly for Black/ Caribbean people (of African ancestry, including multiple heritage). Day to day pressures can be overwhelming without appropriate support and understanding for the many cultures we co-exist within. My interest in the psychological impact of disability makes me ideal for adjusting to such issues. Specialist training in offering a therapeutic chair to people with learning disabilities means level of ability is not a barrier to enhancing wellbeing for individuals and families.
0161 524 7449 View 0161 524 7449
Photo of Richard Higgs - Richard Higgs Therapy, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Richard Higgs Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBACP
I will tailor my counselling technique to cater for your specific needs, drawing on humanistic, psychodynamic and third generation approaches to help you make sense of your struggles.
My priority is to provide a safe, non-judgemental, and confidential space for you to just ‘be’ without any expectation, so you can explore any issues or struggles that are impacting your life. You may know what these struggles are, or you may not have the words or an understanding of what is going on for you. And that is okay. You may come to therapy with a set idea of what you want to explore, or you may come to therapy with just a hunch that something isn’t right. Therapy isn’t linear but I’ll be transparent in our work together and guide you in what can be difficult but ultimately enlightening work.
I will tailor my counselling technique to cater for your specific needs, drawing on humanistic, psychodynamic and third generation approaches to help you make sense of your struggles.
My priority is to provide a safe, non-judgemental, and confidential space for you to just ‘be’ without any expectation, so you can explore any issues or struggles that are impacting your life. You may know what these struggles are, or you may not have the words or an understanding of what is going on for you. And that is okay. You may come to therapy with a set idea of what you want to explore, or you may come to therapy with just a hunch that something isn’t right. Therapy isn’t linear but I’ll be transparent in our work together and guide you in what can be difficult but ultimately enlightening work.
01707 240914 View 01707 240914
Photo of Dr Tiffany Leung, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Tiffany Leung
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
It’s difficult to live with anxiety, low mood, or relationship struggles, and even harder when you also carry the weight of not fully belonging. Many of my clients describe feeling “different,” whether through bicultural identity, neurodiversity, or doubts about sexuality. Therapy with me offers a warm, reflective space where you don’t have to face these struggles alone. Together we can make sense of what feels heavy, understand who you are, strengthen your sense of identity, & create changes that feel authentic and lasting. My flexible online therapy adapts to your schedule and time zone, so support is accessible wherever you are.
It’s difficult to live with anxiety, low mood, or relationship struggles, and even harder when you also carry the weight of not fully belonging. Many of my clients describe feeling “different,” whether through bicultural identity, neurodiversity, or doubts about sexuality. Therapy with me offers a warm, reflective space where you don’t have to face these struggles alone. Together we can make sense of what feels heavy, understand who you are, strengthen your sense of identity, & create changes that feel authentic and lasting. My flexible online therapy adapts to your schedule and time zone, so support is accessible wherever you are.
0161 850 3557 View 0161 850 3557
Photo of Julia Sus, Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Julia Sus
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Online Only
If you find yourself feeling stuck, confused, unhappy or unfulfilled and want to begin to move away from these feelings, I am here to help. The aim of my work is to assist you in gaining mental and emotional clarity by exploring blocks you might be experiencing in now, and finding a root cause of why and when this block was formed. Life gets overwhelming and having time to explore your feelings, frustrations and desired outcomes is crucial in finding happiness and building meaningful relationships. Mental wellbeing is the key ingredient towards life satisfaction, so make the first step and take care of you.
If you find yourself feeling stuck, confused, unhappy or unfulfilled and want to begin to move away from these feelings, I am here to help. The aim of my work is to assist you in gaining mental and emotional clarity by exploring blocks you might be experiencing in now, and finding a root cause of why and when this block was formed. Life gets overwhelming and having time to explore your feelings, frustrations and desired outcomes is crucial in finding happiness and building meaningful relationships. Mental wellbeing is the key ingredient towards life satisfaction, so make the first step and take care of you.
07707 533406 View 07707 533406
Photo of Darron Hama, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Darron Hama
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
My psychodynamic approach places significant emphasis on the importance of early childhood stages and events.
Hi. My name is Darron, I am based in Beswick, Manchester. It's not uncommon for individuals to experience stress and anxiety when life becomes complex and overwhelming. During such times, therapy serves as a valuable resource to help navigate and alleviate these challenging emotions. I actively and creatively collaborate with each client or supervisee to design and implement a personalized intervention to address their emotional or professional development needs. I create a space that is safe and accepting, where you can freely and creatively express yourself.
My psychodynamic approach places significant emphasis on the importance of early childhood stages and events.
Hi. My name is Darron, I am based in Beswick, Manchester. It's not uncommon for individuals to experience stress and anxiety when life becomes complex and overwhelming. During such times, therapy serves as a valuable resource to help navigate and alleviate these challenging emotions. I actively and creatively collaborate with each client or supervisee to design and implement a personalized intervention to address their emotional or professional development needs. I create a space that is safe and accepting, where you can freely and creatively express yourself.
07595 863140 View 07595 863140
Photo of Paul Andrew Guy - PG Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
PG Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
1 Endorsed
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, people pleasing, or stuck in a place that leads you to being frustrated or anxious in your life? Maybe it is starting to impact on those closest to you and you are now looking for a different experience. As a fully qualified and highly experienced therapist, I work one-to-one with adults on a whole range of different presenting issues that can include anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship issues, and unhelpful patterns of behaviour. People access therapy when they find that they are stuck not knowing what to do next, or how to get out of repetitive and destructive situations. I can help.
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, people pleasing, or stuck in a place that leads you to being frustrated or anxious in your life? Maybe it is starting to impact on those closest to you and you are now looking for a different experience. As a fully qualified and highly experienced therapist, I work one-to-one with adults on a whole range of different presenting issues that can include anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship issues, and unhelpful patterns of behaviour. People access therapy when they find that they are stuck not knowing what to do next, or how to get out of repetitive and destructive situations. I can help.
0161 694 6315 View 0161 694 6315
Photo of Connor Walker, Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Connor Walker
Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Hi! In therapy relationship is the most important thing, you need to feel comfortable and able to trust your therapist. I work with a lot of people that have had challenging experiences with counselling or are nervous to come to counselling. My goal is to make you as comfortable as possible. I work with a variety of mental health challenges and normally focus on achievable change. I also work with LGBTQ+ people to help them in an environment where they can feel supported and not have to worry about judgement.
Hi! In therapy relationship is the most important thing, you need to feel comfortable and able to trust your therapist. I work with a lot of people that have had challenging experiences with counselling or are nervous to come to counselling. My goal is to make you as comfortable as possible. I work with a variety of mental health challenges and normally focus on achievable change. I also work with LGBTQ+ people to help them in an environment where they can feel supported and not have to worry about judgement.
01707 241066 View 01707 241066
Photo of Angel Scott-Bottoms, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Angel Scott-Bottoms
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
1 Endorsed
You’re outwardly functioning, maybe even thriving — but inside, something doesn’t feel right. You might find yourself overthinking after interactions, struggling to make decisions, or carrying a quiet sense that you’re somehow not quite enough. Or maybe you just feel numb, stuck, or like you're always performing. I work with people who’ve spent years saying “I’m fine” but quietly feel disconnected from themselves, from others, or from the life they want to live. Therapy can be a space to stop hiding and explore who you are, what you value, and how you want to live.
You’re outwardly functioning, maybe even thriving — but inside, something doesn’t feel right. You might find yourself overthinking after interactions, struggling to make decisions, or carrying a quiet sense that you’re somehow not quite enough. Or maybe you just feel numb, stuck, or like you're always performing. I work with people who’ve spent years saying “I’m fine” but quietly feel disconnected from themselves, from others, or from the life they want to live. Therapy can be a space to stop hiding and explore who you are, what you value, and how you want to live.
0161 524 8711 View 0161 524 8711
Photo of Natalie Beatty, Counsellor, MBACP
Natalie Beatty
Counsellor, MBACP
5 Endorsed
Hi, I'm Natalie. I'm a fully qualified and experienced counsellor who understands how overwhelming life’s challenges can feel and I'm here to help you navigate them with care and compassion. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, relationship issues, or personal struggles, this safe space will help your self-discovery, healing and personal growth to live the life you want to. I understand that you are more than your past. You want to live in the present, in a way that is aligned with who you want to be. As a trauma informed practitioner, I offer a safe space for you to explore your story.
Hi, I'm Natalie. I'm a fully qualified and experienced counsellor who understands how overwhelming life’s challenges can feel and I'm here to help you navigate them with care and compassion. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, relationship issues, or personal struggles, this safe space will help your self-discovery, healing and personal growth to live the life you want to. I understand that you are more than your past. You want to live in the present, in a way that is aligned with who you want to be. As a trauma informed practitioner, I offer a safe space for you to explore your story.
0161 524 9014 View 0161 524 9014

See more therapy options for Manchester

Psychodynamic Counsellors
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.

How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.

Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.

What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.