Mark Bourne

• Anxiety and stress
• CBT and mindfulness
• Family and bereavement

About Mark

Mark Bourne helps people address stress, anxiety, depression and family concerns using approaches that suit the person and the problem. He offers counselling in English and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). He has three years of experience working as a counsellor and previously worked as a teacher in special needs schools.

Mark adapts the way he works to what feels most useful for the individual. He draws on client-centred methods to focus on what matters to the client, and uses cognitive behavioural ideas when practical changes in thinking and behaviour are needed. He also uses mindfulness and solution-focused techniques at times, and works with trauma-focused methods when past events are central to the presenting issues.

He has particular experience supporting people with anxiety, depression and exam-related stress from his teaching background. He also helps with bereavement, anger, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and concerns linked to fatherhood and male identity.

Additional areas Mark can work on include attachment issues, autism and Asperger syndrome, chronic pain or long-term illness, divorce and separation, guilt and shame, life purpose and midlife crisis. He also addresses mood disorders, obsessions and compulsions, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress and seasonal affective disorder.

Sessions focus on clear, practical steps alongside space to talk. People can expect a straightforward, down-to-earth approach that aims to identify what helps and what can change next.

How Mark uses therapy approaches in online work

Client-centred therapy focuses on what the person wants to talk about and supports them to lead the conversation; it helps with feelings of low mood, confidence and relationship concerns. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings and actions and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns; this is useful for anxiety, panic and mood difficulties. Mindfulness therapy involves simple attention and breathing practices to reduce stress and improve awareness of the present moment, which can help with rumination and emotional overwhelm.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The counsellor will discuss options and agree a plan with the client based on their needs, goals and what they prefer. This collaborative decision helps make sessions more relevant from the start.

Confirm the current session formats before booking as the biography does not specify them. Online working can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-in appointments when needed. It also allows people to continue with regular sessions even when life circumstances change, while the counsellor and client review how the approach and rhythm of sessions are working together.

Topics Mark lists

• Stress and anxiety
• Family conflicts
• Grief
• Anger management
• Depression
• Addictions
• Relationship issues
• Trauma and abuse
• Intimacy-related issues
• Career difficulties
• Coping with life changes
• Attachment issues
• Autism and Asperger Syndrome
• Chronic pain, illness, and disability
• Divorce and separation
• Fatherhood issues
• Forgiveness
• Guilt and shame
• Life purpose
• Men's issues
• Midlife crisis
• Mood disorders
• Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
• Panic disorder and panic attacks
• Post-traumatic stress
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Social anxiety and phobia
• Workplace issues
• Young adult issues

Ways of working

• Client-Centred Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Therapy

Questions about Mark

Does he work with anxiety?

Yes. Anxiety and related problems such as panic attacks and exam stress are listed specialities he works with.

What kind of counselling does he offer?

He uses client-centred therapy alongside cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused work and trauma-focused approaches as appropriate.

How much experience does he have?

He has three years of experience as a counsellor and additional experience from working as a teacher in special needs schools.

Is he accredited and where does he practise?

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

What languages are used in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can I work with him from another country?

He accepts international clients but it is advisable to confirm any practical details before booking.

How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start counselling with him?

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