Hello, I'm Paul

If you’ve found your way here, you might be thinking about starting therapy—or maybe just wondering if it could help. That in itself is a big step. And I know from both personal and professional experience that choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming.

There are a lot of us out there. Different approaches, different qualifications, different styles. You might be asking yourself: What do I say? How do I know if this person is right for me? And what if you don’t even know what you’re looking for yet?

You’re not alone in thinking this. It’s one of the most common things people tell me in their first session: “I don’t know where to start.” That’s okay. It’s my job to help us find a place to begin—together.

A Bit About Me

I’m Paul Madden, a BACP-accredited Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I’ve worked in helping roles since 2003 and have been practising as a counsellor since qualifying and becoming accredited in 2018. My approach is relational, meaning I see the therapeutic relationship—how we work together—as central to what makes therapy helpful.

Because of that, I don’t expect you to simply “fit” into a method or model. I’ll listen to your story, get to know you, and adapt how I work based on what you need.

But just as importantly, I don’t want to waste your time.

You Don’t Have to Decide Right Away

Our first meeting is called an initial assessment. It lasts around 50 minutes and gives us both a chance to talk about what’s going on for you and what you’re hoping to get from therapy. You don’t need to prepare anything or have all the answers—it’s simply a space to explore.

At the end of that first session, I’ll usually suggest that you take some time to think things over. You don’t need to decide on the spot whether you want to continue. I encourage people to take 24 hours to sit with it and see how it feels. Therapy is a commitment, and it’s important that it feels right for you.

Regular Check-ins Along the Way

If you do decide to go ahead, we’ll usually meet weekly at the same time each week. Every few sessions, I’ll check in to make sure you’re still getting what you need from our work together. This isn’t just a formality—it matters to me that the space is useful for you, that you feel heard, and that you’re not just going through the motions.

Therapy is an investment—not just financially, but emotionally. I want it to be something that supports you, not something that drifts along without direction.

You’re Allowed to Ask Questions

If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, or whether I might be the right person to help, you’re very welcome to get in touch. There’s no pressure or expectation.

You can ask questions about how I work, what to expect, or anything that’s on your mind. It’s okay not to know where to start. Sometimes, starting with a question is enough.

Thanks for reading, and if you feel like reaching out—I’m here.