Michael Brown
Glasgow & Online Counsellor and Psychotherapist
AN ASSOCIATE of THE LIFE ACADEMY
About Me
Welcome
I work with clients authentically and with gentle curiosity, creating space to connect with all parts of themselves, including those that may feel shameful, vulnerable, or inadequate. Through compassionate and collaborative exploration, we gain awareness of triggers and, by learning to respond rather than react, build resilience, hold difficult feelings, and nurture healthier relationships.
As a gay man with a late diagnosis of ADD, I bring personal and professional insight into how difference and neurodiversity shape our lives and relationships. I have long been curious about what influences who we are and how we connect with others and our environment. This curiosity led me to meditation at a young age, alongside a period when I turned to hedonistic coping strategies to manage difficult feelings.
Through my own therapeutic journey, I’ve come to value the importance of safe and trusting relationships in the healing process. Learning to be with my own darkness has allowed me to cultivate calmness, compassion, and self-acceptance. This steady presence is something I bring to my work, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, supporting clients as they navigate challenges and distress. Experience shows that self-acceptance, nurtured within safe relationships, can be the catalyst for growth and change.
Approach
The foundation of my practice is person-centred and mindfulness-based. I work with clients to develop an approach that appreciates and values their individuality and sensibilities. I often focus on how clients feel in the moment, particularly when talking about difficult issues. This supports them with the process of becoming more familiar with their feelings, physically and emotionally and, over time, of offering compassion and understanding towards themselves. To support this process, I offer guided meditations, awareness techniques and movement for clients who prefer to be in motion as a way of grounding in the present moment.
I firmly believe that we all have the capacity to change and grow and that with support and guidance, clients can begin to develop their own resources and gain insight into their behaviours. A fundamental component to affective therapy is the relationship. So much of my approach is about developing an authentic, trusting and empathetic relationship with each client. Through this process, clients begin to cultivate unique skills for living a life that recognises and respects their individuality and which are easier to practice, and therefore more sustainable.
Education
• MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of Strathclyde
• COSCA, Counselling Skills Certificate
• Certificate in Mindfulness Teacher Development, Living Mindfulness
• BA (Hons) Sculpture and Environmental Art, Glasgow School of Art
Experience
My experience is rich and diverse, with an emphasis on working with individuals or groups to promote growth and healing. This includes:
• Establishing a private Counselling and Psychotherapy practice • Volunteer counsellor at the Tom Allen Centre, a Glasgow-based charity
• Tutoring art in the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice
• Teaching creative practice to children at the Glasgow School of Art
• Delivering art-making and mindfulness workshops at Platform Arts Centre
• Delivering mindfulness workshops at LGBTQ+ Pride Outside events
• Working with visually impaired learning-disabled adults within the RNIB
Experience has shown me that much like making art, the therapeutic process is a deeply creative one full of insights, meaning and connection, and I’ve found that I’m often in awe of the capacity for people to grow and learn, even in extremely challenging situations.
Expertise
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Alcohol/Drugs/Addictive behaviours
• Loss/ Bereavement/Grief
• Neurodivergence
• LGBTQ+
• Chronic illness/Stress
• Low self-esteem/worth
• Life’s transitions
• Identity/Sense of Self
• Sexual issues
• Relationships/Codependency/Attachment
Memberships
• PVG registered member (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme)
• BACP (British Association of counselling and psychotherapy) registration membership no: 403451
Fees
Individual sessions: £60
I offer a free initial 15-minute chat to discuss how we could potentially work together.
There are limited concession spaces for those on benefits and students. Please ask about this in the initial contact
Payment by card in advance
Location
Michael is currently accepting only online clients for his counselling and psychotherapy sessions.
Contact
To make an appointment or discuss whether I am the right therapist for you, please complete the form below. I will try to respond to you within three days.
I look forward to hearing from you.