Michael Forfieh Counselling

Hello my name is Michael and I am an experienced counsellor/therapist providing counselling in Lee in South East London.

I am a member of BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and BAATN (Black and Asian Therapists Network). Being a member of both nationally recognised organisations provides me with relevant training and learning experience opportunities that assist enhancing me professionally as a counsellor. Working as a counsellor/psychotherapist I have supported people who are working through a number of difficulties including: Depression, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship difficulties, Mood management including angry feelings, Self-esteem, Abuse and Trauma.

Appointments are generally arranged on a weekly basis. The length of time you work with me can either be for a short period of 6-12 sessions, medium 13-24 sessions or long 24 weeks +. We will review the work regularly. Reflecting on how counselling is being experienced and what changes are occurring for you.

Attending Greenwich University for the MSc in Therapeutic counselling was an eye opening experience. I began my training believing that I was a person centred counsellor. By the end of the 3 year course I was resolute in recognising that I am an integrative therapist. From my life’s experience I can draw on a number of counselling approaches to inform and support the person I am working with. Approaches include; Transpersonal, Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioural, Psychodynamic and a concept I call walk and talk therapy.

I have an MSc in Therapeutic Counselling from Greenwich University which is accredited by the BACP and a CPCAB Introduction to Counselling Skills Course diploma from Morley College. I have provided a highly evaluated counselling service in a range of settings including a doctors surgery, a prison and in schools. I regularly attend professional development to ensure I continue to develop myself and my practice.

Testimonial

Working with Michael has resulted in profound, transformative growth for me. I went to him with depression, anxiety, worthlessness and despair and now I am happy, confident, strong and purposeful. It was hard work and took courage but Michael's kind, supportive, professional commitment to me has been unwavering from our first meeting. I have learned so much from and with Michael and recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone who wants to explore or change something in their lives.

Ms Liberty

Black, African and Asian Therapy Network

About Michael Forfieh

I work as a Project Manager for a charity called: Together for Mental Wellbeing supporting the National Probation Service Forensic Mental Health Practitioner team. The role is rewarding and complex as I support a team of practitioners that work alongside probation officers working with service users that are experiencing mental health concerns. Since January 2015 my appreciation of working alongside other skilled mental health practitioners and probation officers has grown.

In September 2015 I began working as a visiting lecturer on the MSc Therapeutic Counselling course. Working with students is rewarding on a number of levels: their reflective enquiry reminds me of the process I undertook between 2008 – 2012 to become a counsellor. In truth the process is unending.

In 2014 I held a number of interesting roles including a Counsellor in a prison, at the University of Kent as a Student Mentor and at Family Health Isis as a Counsellor and Facilitator for Time to Change.

I counsel in private practice and like the diversity of client contact I have in my working week between a mental health charity, students and private clients.

I relax by playing Basketball, riding my Longboard (Silversurfer) playing chess, listening to good Jazz and baking artisan breads.

I am passionate about the work I am involved with and look for that A-ha moment when the light comes on for a person I am working with.

Testimonial

Working with Michael has been an adventure to say the least. When I first met Michael, I was in very low place. I was in a toxic relationship that only seemed to go from bad to worse and was still dealing with the loss of my parents. In seeking out Michael, I wanted to find ways in which to not only find myself again but unlearn negative behaviours and learn new and healthy ones. All of which helped me to become the man I am today. My journey with Michael was a challenging one…

Mr Bryce

Testimonial

“My sessions with Michael were a great encouragement and support during what was a very difficult time for me. He really understood and enabled me to explore my inner thoughts and feelings on a deeper level. I had six sessions with him, but it felt a lot longer due to the amount that I personally achieved and was left feeling better positioned to face my future”.

Mr Nasson

My Fees

I am available throughout the week and have appointments on weekends, contact me for details of my availability.

Sessions last 50 minutes and are arranged at weekly intervals at a mutually agreed time. If you are unable to attend a session a 24-hour notice period is required. If notice is given later than 24 hours you may be charged for your missed appointment.

Initial 50 minute counselling assessments are £60

Each 50 minute counselling session thereafter costs £80 - £120

Each 50 minute walk and talk therapy session thereafter costs £50 - £65.

I am able to offer concessions for students and those on limited incomes.

Contact me for further details.

Testimonial

I knew he certainly had his work cut out for him. Whilst the approach I took was to be open and honest with Michael, the challenge was to be open and honest with myself about what triggers impacted my relationships; both with self and others. I struggled with this approach because it meant being vulnerable with myself. I left some sessions ruminating over those triggers and reliving some painful moments. This took some time to come to terms with and ultimately led to a journey of health, self discovery and improvement.

Mr Bryce

Walk and Talk Therapy

Walk and Talk therapy is a way of working with me outside in natural environments.

Walk and Talk therapy aims to provide an alternate experience for you, whereby you can physically interact with the material you bring to a session.

The route we would walk would be largely unplanned, we would collaboratively agree; the pace, where to go and when to take a break, stop, sit or stand to reflect on points raised during the walk and talk session. The route would be circuitous or toward a mutually agreed end point.

If Walk and Talk therapy sounds like something you would like to try, get in touch.

Testimonial

After having my second child, I started to feel very anxious and realised I needed help. I had never really had any problems with mental health before, it was frightening and difficult to know where to start.

Michael very quickly made me feel comfortable to talk about what was happening, and the setting of 'walk and talk' in the park made the process feel a lot more natural than I imagined. Knowing I had a protected time and space for myself made a huge difference, and helped in so many ways, not least in giving me my confidence back. I feel very grateful to have found such a professional, kind and thoughtful therapist.

Ms Ward

Testimonial

Michael’s approach is superimposed by his patient yet unapologetic approach to clients identifying their pain and helping them to unravel the actors and obstacles to their healing. Working with Michael, I learned to reframe narratives to the benefit of my relationship with self. If I was to choose a defining moment, it would be the introduction of ‘Star Mapping’ to our sessions. This approach helped me to map out all of my thoughts and feelings and reclaim my power over situations; past, present and future. This led to learning to forgive and accept situations and decisions that I had no control over and freeing myself from their burden. These were some of the many defining moments, working with Michael, in which I could say I saw real progress being made.

Mr Bryce

Contact Michael Forfieh

Testimonial

Coming to Michael as a Broken Black Man, is a decision that changed my life. Michael’s dedication to improving the Mental Health of Black Men is ingrained in his approach, with one sole aim; to be well. Michael works with the mindset to help you define life for you and when taken into context is a considerably powerful ethos. His Zen like patience and knowledge creates an atmosphere that is dedicated to wellness. You will see what I mean when you work with him....

So to my Brothers/Sisters reading this, what I learned from Michael is this; “Choosing wellness isn’t a sign of weakness, it is the strongest thing a man/woman will ever accomplish; to battle the monsters within. The challenge is to see it through and be victorious.” Let Michael help you develop the skills to win those battles and be victorious. To Mike, I say thank you for all that you’ve done and continue to do, because I know that the lives you change today, will change the world tomorrow.

Mr Bryce

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Michael Forfieh Counselling

About

About Michael Forfieh

Fees

My Fees

Walk and Talk Therapy

Walk and Talk Therapy

Contact

Contact Michael Forfieh