Michael Leunig, BACP

Michael Leunig trained as a counsellor and psychotherapist after a long personal journey through depression and anger. He is a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practises from a private setting in the United Kingdom. Michael speaks English and German and has six years of practice experience.

He uses mindfulness as a core part of his work, and this shaped his early recovery. Michael taught mindfulness courses and later completed university study in counselling and psychotherapy at Salford University. He also trained in clinical hypnotherapy and has delivered teaching on that subject.

Michael has worked with a range of organisations, including the mental health charity Mind and services linked to emergency responders. He has experience offering solution-focused work in NHS surgery settings and has supported people affected by trauma, grief and long-term health challenges.

In sessions he aims to help people feel less stuck and to move forward from issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain and problems with anger or addiction. He describes his style as collaborative and supportive, helping clients to find their own answers and next steps.

His approach is integrative and draws on client-centred principles, mindfulness, hypnotherapy and solution-focused techniques. People looking for practical, down-to-earth help with life changes or ongoing health-related strain may find his way of working helpful.

How Michael's approaches translate to online therapy

Client-centred work focuses on listening and supporting the person in front of the counsellor. It helps when someone needs time to be heard, to make sense of feelings such as anxiety, grief or anger, and to set their own goals. Mindfulness therapy teaches straightforward attention and breathing practices to reduce stress and manage mood; it can be helpful for chronic pain, SAD and ongoing worry.

Choosing the best approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with the client about what they want to change, test a few techniques and agree what feels most useful. That might mean blending mindfulness exercises with brief solution-focused planning or introducing hypnotherapy components where suitable for the individual.

If you prefer online sessions, confirm the exact session formats available before booking. Many people find online work fits around busy lives, saves travel time and makes it easier to keep regular appointments. Online sessions can also allow shorter check-ins or telephone options when video is difficult, helping therapy to slot into work or family schedules without needing long journeys.