Hal Thompson

• Stress and anxiety
• Drug and alcohol addiction
• Self esteem work

About Hal

Hal Thompson works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and low self-esteem using psychodynamic methods alongside evidence-based therapeutic techniques. He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has three years' experience as a practising counsellor.

Hal’s practice centres on psychodynamic work that looks at how past experiences and coping patterns shape present-day feelings and behaviour. He helps people notice patterns that may be operating outside conscious awareness and talks through how these affect daily life.

He also draws on other evidence-based approaches when helpful, such as cognitive behavioural ideas and internal family systems concepts, to give practical ways to manage distress. This can include looking at thoughts, habits and different parts of the self to reduce anxiety or compulsive behaviours.

Hal has worked in mental health roles in both public and private settings and holds a Master’s degree in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London, and a BA in psychology from the University of Sussex. He is listed with the BACP.

In sessions he aims to work collaboratively, helping people reflect on difficult experiences, reduce symptoms like panic or intrusive thoughts, and address issues such as addiction, shame, or social anxiety. He also offers support around attachment difficulties, dissociation, and the effects of prejudice and discrimination.

People meet a straightforward approach that combines talking about past experience with practical techniques for coping now. If considering therapy, readers are advised to confirm current session options before booking.

How therapeutic approaches and online sessions work together

Psychodynamic counselling focuses on how earlier relationships and experiences shape current feelings and behaviour. It looks for recurring patterns, unconscious coping strategies and attachment issues, and helps people understand why they feel stuck or distressed.

Cognitive behavioural techniques target unhelpful thoughts and behaviours with practical exercises. These methods can help with panic, social anxiety, obsessions and compulsions by teaching skills to manage symptoms day to day.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The counsellor will discuss goals and preferences and decide together which methods to try. This collaborative process can shift as needs change over time.

Practical benefits of remote sessions include fitting counselling into a busy week and reducing travel time. If you plan to use online sessions, confirm which formats the counsellor offers before booking so you know whether sessions are by video, phone or another option. Many people find remote sessions easier to fit around work, education or caring responsibilities, and short check-ins can be easier to schedule when time is limited.

Topics Hal lists

• Stress and 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

Questions about Hal

Does he work with anxiety and panic?

Yes. He works with anxiety, panic disorder and panic attacks and offers ways to reduce symptoms and understand their roots.

What kind of counselling does he offer?

Psychodynamic counselling is the core approach, looking at how past experiences affect the present, with additional evidence-based techniques used when appropriate.

How much experience does he have?

He has three years' experience as a counsellor and additional background working in mental health roles in public and private settings.

Is he a registered counsellor in the UK?

He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works in the United Kingdom.

Can I work with him if I live abroad?

Yes. He accepts international clients and provides sessions in English.

What session formats are available?

Session formats are not specified in the biography; please confirm current session options before booking.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start with him?

Select the Talk to a counsellor online button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.