About Me

As a counsellor, certain personal qualities are helpful in this work. People say that I am quiet, calm, and make them feel safe.

Michael Underwood MBACP - Counsellor in Rotherham

Since I have experienced some of life's challenges myself, I know the benefits of acceptance and so I don't judge you. Working as a therapist is central to my life as I embody the values that allow me to be genuinely present as a sensitive human person in the room with you.

I see life as an ever-changing journey of discovery and feel that my life is meaningful. I see my counselling work as entirely congruent with Christian values.

I actively encourage self-care and do this by taking time out for:

  • Family and friends - the pandemic has taught me the value of spending time with other people
  • Exercise - I go walking in the countryside and do tai chi
  • Good diet - I'm a bit of a foodie and we grow our own
  • Spiritual nurturing - I try to live mindfully and go to church. I find these are the foundations of good mental health!

A History of Helping Work

I began helping people many years ago, realising that others seemed to identify me as someone easy to talk to. It was as if random people I had never met before couldn't help but tell me their troubles.

I started working in mental health in 2002, when I volunteered at a local mental health helpline, and whilst there, took my first steps in training to become a counsellor.

Now, after some years in counselling private practice, I really love doing this work but understand fear of stigma can make coming to counselling seem rather daunting. I will do my best to make you feel at ease so that your counselling is as effective as possible.

A Non-Judgemental Approach

I see difficulties as the start of a learning experience, and rather than judge you, I respect you for your struggle to make things right in your life. I see you as unique and the expert on your own life, so I don't give advice. Advice, however, is often given, but can bring you a sense of dependence on others and feelings of disempowerment; whereas I would like you to find and practice engaging your whole person and overcome.

Feelgood image - Waterlogged road

"To reach something good, it is useful to have gone astray."

Saint Teresa of Avila
(16th Century Christian Mystic)

Qualifications

  • Certificate in Counselling Studies
    2014, CPCAB
  • Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
    2016, CPCAB
  • Diploma in Online Counselling (Credit)
    2017, OCST
  • Diploma in Gestalt Counselling (Distinction)
    2021, COE

Training

My work is constantly being updated by regular training - Continual Professional Development. Here are a few of the courses I have completed.

  • Working with Dreams and Imagery
    2014
  • Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect
    2015, Core V5
  • CEOP ThinkYouKnow
    2016
  • Working with Trauma Short-Term
    2016
  • BACP Relational Depth & Emotional Connection in Online Therapy
    2016, BACP
  • Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness
    2016, Pathways, Barnsley
  • Solution Focussed Approaches
    2016, Solution Focus Sheffield
  • Identity
    2017, BACP
  • Introduction to Gestalt
    2018, Gestalt Sheffield
  • Grief Works: Stories of Death and Surviving
    2018, BACP
  • Practical Counselling Strategies and Interventions in Addiction Work
    2018, BACP
  • Loss-What Does Life Mean For Me Now?
    2018, BACP
  • Man Up
    2019, BACP
  • Working with Relational Trauma
    2019, PODS
  • Understanding Eating Disorders
    2019, SYEDA
  • Shame - Trauma
    2019, BACP
  • How to Deal with a Narcissistic Personality
    2020, Mind Body Training Institute
  • Dealing with Distress
    2020, Carolyn Spring
  • Working with Trauma Memories
    2021, Carolyn Spring
  • Working with Trauma in a Time of Trauma
    2021, Carolyn Spring
  • Working with Trauma that has Become Stuck
    2021, Carolyn Spring
  • Working with Trauma Triggers and Flashbacks
    2021, Carolyn Spring

Experience

My work in Occupational Health and also in a local family support centre has given me experience of working with a range of issues including workplace stress and domestic abuse. This is how I came to specialise in anxiety and relationship problems.