Hal Thompson, BACP

Hal Thompson welcomes people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma or low self-esteem. He presents as calm and direct, helping people take the first small steps toward feeling steadier and more in control. Hal works in English and accepts clients in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Hal is a BACP member, and he holds a Master's degree in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London. He also has a BA in psychology from the University of Sussex and three years of experience working directly in therapeutic roles. Before this he worked in arts and education, which shapes his collaborative and person-centred style.

In sessions Hal uses psychodynamic ideas to look at how past experiences influence current patterns. He helps people notice recurring reactions, especially around relationships and self-worth, and to understand how those patterns started. Where helpful, he brings in evidence-based techniques to manage symptoms such as panic, intrusive thoughts, or compulsive behaviours.

Hal pays attention to attachment and dissociation, and he supports people facing drug or alcohol problems, self-harm, and the fallout from trauma and prejudice. He also addresses guilt, shame and issues commonly raised by men seeking therapy.

People can expect a conversational and reflective approach. Hal aims to build a plan together that fits each person’s needs, pacing work so it feels manageable while addressing distress and unhelpful cycles.

Therapeutic approaches and online delivery

Hal draws mainly on psychodynamic ideas, which look at how early experiences and repeated patterns influence feelings and behaviour today. This approach helps people uncover hidden reasons for anxiety, shame or relationship difficulties and make sense of recurring reactions.

He also uses evidence-based techniques that can be applied in short-term work to manage symptoms. These practical methods focus on reducing panic, managing intrusive thoughts and addressing compulsive behaviours through step-by-step strategies and behavioural experiments.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to identify what feels most useful, combining longer-term exploration with targeted techniques when needed. Goals, pacing and methods are agreed together so work suits the individual’s needs and preferences.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different routines. Video sessions are good for face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can fit a break at work or use less bandwidth, and text or chat options suit brief check-ins or people who prefer written reflection. These options make it easier to keep continuity of care and to work therapy around everyday life.