Michael Leunig , BACP

Michael Leunig is a counsellor and psychotherapist who combines formal training, personal experience, and a commitment to practical healing. Born in Germany and raised in a family that moved frequently, he draws on early life challenges and his own journey through depression and anger to inform a compassionate, empathetic practice. He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and is accredited with the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) as a clinical hypnotherapist and recognised supervisor, and he also trained as a Mindfulness Master Practitioner, later teaching mindfulness courses to groups and other therapists.

Michael completed university studies in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Salford University, and he went on to train in clinical hypnotherapy, teaching on that subject as well. His professional experience includes roles with the mental health charity Mind, participation in the Blue Lights scheme working with police, firefighters, ICU nurses, and counter terrorism officers, and work in several NHS surgeries across the North of England where he used Solution-Focused Therapy with patients. In private practice he has led an award-winning psychotherapy and clinical hypnotherapy service and serves as Mind Coach for the Oldham Rugby League Football Team.

Michael works integratively, drawing on person-centred principles, transactional analysis, cognitive behavioural approaches, clinical hypnosis, mindfulness, emotional freedom technique, and life coaching. He focuses on helping people become unstuck from grief, trauma, relationship breakdown, addiction, and ongoing stress, supporting clients to discover their own solutions and move toward the life they want.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Michael integrates mindfulness-based work and clinical hypnotherapy into his online practice. Mindfulness therapy teaches practical awareness skills that help reduce reactivity and manage stress; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Clinical hypnotherapy employs guided relaxation and focused attention to help people access resources for habits, phobias, pain management, and patterns that feel stuck, and Michael has trained and taught in this approach. He also uses client-centred principles that prioritise the person sitting in front of him - offering empathic listening and a supportive environment so clients can explore their own goals and values.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Michael works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts the work as those needs evolve. Clients are invited to participate in choosing techniques and shaping the pace of therapy.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to continue regular work on stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, or life transitions from wherever clients are located while maintaining contact with a licensed professional who can guide the process.