- Depth therapy approach
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
About Michael
Michael Harland is a BACP counsellor based in the United Kingdom with five years' experience. He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, anger, ADHD and relationship concerns. Sessions are aimed at helping people notice and feel difficult emotions rather than only talking about thoughts.
He describes his work as depth therapy. That means feelings are given priority and the conversations are used to reach underlying emotions. He contrasts this with cognitive approaches that focus on changing thoughts. Michael explains that thinking can sometimes protect people from feeling painful material.
He also sets clear limits on when depth work is not suitable. He does not recommend it for people currently in a crisis, those who have experienced non–drug-induced psychosis, or those with extremely severe trauma. In such situations he suggests considering cognitive behavioural therapy instead and seeking practitioners who offer that approach.
In sessions he helps people notice patterns of feeling and the ways they try to avoid emotion. That can include issues like control problems, attachment worries, grief, intimacy-related concerns, addiction and compassion fatigue. He also lists work around parenting, career stress, body image and chronic illness among his interests.
Michael says the talking part of therapy is a tool to reach deeper feeling. He invites people who are comfortable with that focus to get in touch. The practical next step on the site is to use the matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How his approaches translate to online work
Depth work here is informed by Mindfulness Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. Mindfulness Therapy involves simple practices that help a person notice thoughts and bodily sensations without judgment, which can reduce reactivity and support emotion regulation. Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on patterns that repeat in relationships and inner life, helping people understand why certain feelings arise and how they influence behaviour.Choosing the right method is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to decide what feels most useful based on the client's needs, goals and preferences. That means checking in and adapting the focus if something isn't helping or if a more concrete approach is needed.
Practical benefits of online work include fitting sessions around work or family commitments and avoiding travel time. Online sessions can also make regular check-ins easier to keep, or allow a shorter phone or video catch-up when life gets busy. Confirm the specific session formats offered before booking so sessions can be arranged to suit everyday routines.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, anger and many related issues such as relationship strain, grief, addiction and parenting stress.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses depth therapy, focusing on feeling rather than only on thoughts, and also practises Mindfulness Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy.
How much experience does he have?
He has five years' experience working as a counsellor in the United Kingdom.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is registered with the BACP and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages and international clients are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking since the biography does not specify formats on this profile.
How are fees arranged?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.