Hal Thompson
Thoughtful psychodynamic counselling for stress
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About Hal
Hal Thompson welcomes people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, addiction or past trauma. He introduces himself plainly and aims to make first steps feel manageable for someone who is worried or unsure.
Hal is a BACP member and holds a Master’s degree in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London, plus a BA in psychology from the University of Sussex. Hal uses psychodynamic work at the heart of his practice.
Background and approach
That means he looks at how past experiences and coping habits still affect everyday life. He pays attention to thoughts and feelings that often sit under conscious awareness and can cause repeated patterns. When needed, Hal mixes in other evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioural ideas and internal family systems methods.
He chooses what to use with each person rather than following one fixed model. Sessions are collaborative and paced to suit the person in front of him. Clients can expect a calm, curious tone and a focus on understanding what keeps problems alive.
Hal also pays attention to attachment issues, dissociation, addictions, guilt and shame, obsessive and compulsive patterns, panic and post-traumatic stress. With three years of direct experience as a practising counsellor, he brings prior work across mental health, arts and education into the way he engages with people. Hal works in English and accepts clients from outside the United Kingdom.
At a glance
- Years practising
- 3
- Registered with
- BACP
- Registration number
- 399035
- Languages
- English
- How sessions happen
- Online, by video, phone or messages
Details are as listed on Hal's public professional profile. You can check any number with the professional body.
What Hal works with
Everything Hal lists, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
- Attachment issues
- Dissociation
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Guilt and shame
- Men's issues
- Narcissism
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Social anxiety and phobia
How Hal works online
He also uses cognitive behavioural ideas when a person needs clear strategies to manage anxiety or obsessive thoughts. Those techniques focus on practical steps and restructuring unhelpful thinking. Internal family systems concepts may be drawn on to help people name and work with different parts of themselves, which can help with shame, dissociation and self-criticism.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. The therapist and client will work together to decide which methods feel most helpful, adapting over time as needs and goals evolve. This collaborative way means the work can be tailored to personal preferences and the difficulties brought into sessions.
Confirm the specific online session options before booking, as the biography does not list formats. In general, online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also suit people who prefer not to be on camera or who need a lower-bandwidth option. Registered and accredited professionals offer online sessions that aim to match the clarity and support of in-person work.
Questions and answers
What kinds of problems can be addressed?
Hal works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and self-esteem difficulties as well as related issues such as panic, obsessions and social anxiety.
What is the typical approach in sessions?
Psychodynamic work is central, looking at how past experiences shape current patterns. Elements of cognitive behavioural approaches and internal family systems may be used when helpful.
What background does he have?
He holds a Master’s in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy and a BA in psychology, with three years of clinical experience as a practising counsellor.
Where is he based and how is he accredited?
He practises in the United Kingdom and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Can I work with him if I live outside the UK?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the original biography does not specify which formats are offered.
How are fees arranged?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
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