糖心官网

I currently have space for new clients. 

I offer sessions Tuesdays to Saturdays, and most evenings, to accommodate busier schedules.  I offer long or short-term counselling.

I am excited to meet you.

Mike 

Hello, I鈥檓 Michael McGovern, a 糖心官网-registered counsellor offering online counselling from Edinburgh to autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent adults across the UK.

I am particularly drawn to working with neurodivergent clients, including people who identify as autistic or ADHD, as well as trauma survivors and men. I recognise that many neurodivergent adults and men have had difficult or invalidating experiences of mental health support, and I aim to provide a counselling space that feels warm, confidential, inclusive, and respectful.

I work as a pluralistic counsellor, which means our therapy is collaborative and flexible rather than based on one fixed model. We draw on different psychological approaches depending on your needs, preferences, and goals. I see you as the expert in your own life, and my role is to support you with empathy, honesty, and accountability.

I have experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, dissociation, grief and bereavement, stress, relationship difficulties, men鈥檚 mental health, anger, shame, meaninglessness, and suicidal ideation. I also have a particular interest in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and what is often described as 鈥渟hadow鈥� work, especially in the context of men鈥檚 issues.

Men and neurodivergent individuals are statistically at higher risk of suicidal ideation. A central part of my work is helping people feel safe enough to speak openly, without fear of judgment or minimisation.

________________________________________

My online counselling practice is based in Edinburgh and works with clients throughout the UK. I focus on supporting autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent adults, as well as men and trauma survivors, in a way that respects individual differences and lived experience.

Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, anxious, shut down, or unsure how to describe what is happening internally. Neurodivergent clients often experience cognitive overload, nervous system dysregulation, and long-standing patterns of self-criticism or shame.

A key part of my work involves supporting nervous system regulation. This may include working with hyperarousal, such as anxiety, agitation, or racing thoughts, or hypoarousal, such as low mood, numbness, or shutdown. Together, we co-create practical and realistic strategies that help soothe the nervous system and increase a sense of safety and stability.

Common themes explored by autistic and ADHD clients include relationship boundaries, self-soothing, managing critical self-talk, developing a language for internal experience, recognising needs, cultivating self-compassion, and learning how to be more authentically themselves in social or relational settings.

I usually work in blocks of six sessions. At the end of each block, we review how the work has been and decide together whether to continue. I offer both short-term and long-term online counselling, with availability on weekdays, some evenings, and weekends.

I offer a free 20-minute introductory phone or Zoom call. This allows you to ask questions, talk about what is bringing you to online counselling, and get a sense of how I work as a counsellor. It also allows us to explore whether working together feels like a good fit.

If we decide to proceed, I will send you the necessary paperwork to complete before the first counselling session, including information about confidentiality, consent, and practical arrangements.

In the first full session, I place a strong emphasis on helping clients feel empowered in the counselling space. While I am a trained and experienced professional, this space is ultimately yours, and we shape it together in a way that feels most beneficial to you.

This is particularly important when working with autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent clients. I am often quite explicit in inviting you to reflect on what you would like from therapy and what might make your life feel more manageable or meaningful. Sometimes clients are clear about this, and sometimes they are not, and not knowing is a valid and important part of the therapeutic process.

I hold a loose scaffolding for the first session. This usually includes beginning to develop some initial aims, getting to know you a little, and learning about relevant personal history, current supports, and challenges. The session is also a chance for you to get to know me, experience how I work, and begin to settle into the counselling space.

I do not charge a different rate for the first session. My priority is your emotional safety and ensuring that you feel informed, respected, and able to make a grounded decision about whether to continue with further online counselling.

I look forward to possibly working with you,

Mike

I currently have availability for new clients.

I offer online sessions Tuesdays to Saturdays, and most evenings to accommodate busier schedules. I have some availability over the weekends. I offer long or short-term counselling.

I look forward to the possibility of meeting you.

With kindness, Mike

Hello, I鈥檓 Michael McGovern, a 糖心官网-registered counsellor offering online counselling for people in London and across the UK.

I work mainly with autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent adults, and I鈥檓 particularly drawn to working with people who identify as men. Many clients come to therapy feeling worn down, overstimulated, or find themselves carrying a lot without having much space to talk about it.

My approach to counselling is warm, collaborative, and grounded. I aim to create a space where you can slow things down, think out loud, and be met as a whole person, not a problem to be fixed. We work flexibly, focusing on what feels most useful and relevant for you.

I often support people who are questioning neurodivergence later in life or adjusting to a late diagnosis of autism or ADHD. This can bring clarity, relief, grief, anger, or confusion, and therapy can help make sense of it all in a supportive way.

I鈥檓 explicit about and transparent in my thoughts when we work; I don鈥檛 keep things from you.

You can read more about my background and how I work here:

https://www.keystone-counselling-edinburgh.com/#AboutMe

https://www.spacefortherapy.co.uk/?cat=7

Neurodivergence, Men, and Making Sense of Things

My online counselling practice supports autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent adults living in London, as well as people who identify as men and want a space where they don鈥檛 have to hold everything together.

Many clients I work with experience overwhelm, burnout, anxiety, shutdown, or long-standing self-criticism. Living in a busy, demanding city can intensify this, especially for neurodivergent people.

Our work might involve:

鈥� Reducing overwhelm and nervous system stress

鈥� Exploring autistic or ADHD traits with compassion

鈥� Processing a late diagnosis or self-identification

鈥� Making sense of emotions without pressure

鈥� Working with shame, anger, or hopelessness

鈥� Improving boundaries and relationships

If it feels right, we may also explore shadow work: parts of you linked to anger, fear, competitiveness, or shame. Rather than pushing these parts away, we get curious about what they鈥檝e been trying to do for you. This often helps people feel less stuck and more accepting of themselves.

For many men, therapy can be one of the few places where vulnerability feels allowed. I aim to make that space feel respectful and real.

You can read more about my background and how I work here:

https://www.keystone-counselling-edinburgh.com/#AboutMe

https://www.spacefortherapy.co.uk/?cat=7

London Online Counselling

I offer a complimentary 20-minute phone or Zoom call, allowing you to ask questions, discuss what鈥檚 bringing you to counselling, and get a sense of how it feels to speak with me. There鈥檚 no pressure to decide anything straight away.

I encourage prospective clients to speak to many counsellors to see who they 鈥榲ibe鈥� with.

If we go ahead, I鈥檒l send some simple paperwork before the first session. In that first session, my focus is on helping you feel comfortable and in control. You only share what feels okay for you.

We might talk about what you鈥檙e hoping for, what feels hardest right now, or whether you鈥檙e processing a late ADHD or autism diagnosis. If it鈥檚 useful, we can create some goals and think about how to notice change. If goal-setting doesn鈥檛 suit you, we won鈥檛 do it.

I鈥檓 clear about boundaries and take the responsibility of the counsellor role seriously. If something feels too much, you can say so. We can slow down, pause, or leave things for another time. I think trust grows through giving choice and respect.

I don鈥檛 charge a different rate for the first session.

You can read more about my background and how I work here:

https://www.keystone-counselling-edinburgh.com/#AboutMe

https://www.spacefortherapy.co.uk/?cat=7

I offer online sessions Tuesdays to Saturdays, and also most evenings, so it's possible we can meet after work. I have some availability over the weekends. 

I look forward to the possibility of meeting you.

With kindness, Mike

I鈥檓 Michael McGovern, a 糖心官网-registered counsellor offering online counselling in Manchester and across the UK.

I work mainly with:

鈥� Autistic adults

鈥� Late diagnosis adults

鈥� ADHD adults

鈥� Neurodivergent clients

鈥� People who identify as men

Many of my clients have felt misunderstood, judged, or told to 鈥渏ust cope better.鈥� Therapy with me is collaborative, steady, and real. I bring myself as a fallible but self-aware (mainly) person with good boundaries.

I don鈥檛 follow one rigid method. We focus on what鈥檚 useful for you. You know your life. I bring structure, honesty, and clear boundaries so the space feels safe.

I support people with anxiety, low mood, trauma, overwhelm, shame, anger, relationship stress, and times when life feels stuck.

Male suicide rates in the UK remain significantly higher than female. I take men鈥檚 mental health seriously and aim to create a space where you don鈥檛 have to pretend you鈥檙e fine.

You can read more about my background and how I work here:

________________________________________

2. Practice Description 鈥� Neurodivergence & Men

My online counselling practice supports autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent adults in Manchester and beyond.

Many clients experience:

鈥� Overwhelm or shutdown

鈥� Constant self-criticism

鈥� Burnout

鈥� Difficulty expressing emotions

鈥� Feeling 鈥渢oo much鈥� or 鈥渘ot enough鈥�

We work at a manageable pace.

We focus on:

鈥� Nervous system regulation

鈥� Clearer emotional language

鈥� Boundaries and communication

鈥� Reducing shame

鈥� Building self-compassion

If you want, we can also explore shadow work:

anger, fear, hopelessness, competitiveness, or shame. Instead of pushing these parts away, we look at what they鈥檙e trying to protect. And how they serve you. Because they do, else they wouldn鈥檛 be there!

Understanding them often reduces their intensity and builds self-kindness.

For many men, this work can feel unfamiliar at first. Social expectations can make vulnerability difficult. Therapy offers space to drop the mask.

I usually work in blocks of six sessions, with reviews. Short- or long-term. Online. Flexible availability.

You can read more about my background and how I work here:

________________________________________

3. First Session Details 鈥� Manchester Online Counselling

I offer a free 20-minute Zoom or phone call. No pressure 鈥� just a chance to see if we鈥檙e a good fit.

If we go ahead, I鈥檒l send simple paperwork before we start.

In the first session:

鈥� You set the pace

鈥� You share only what feels safe

鈥� We begin to understand what鈥檚 going on for you

If it helps, we can set goals and consider how to measure progress. If goal-setting doesn鈥檛 suit you, we won鈥檛 do it.

I explain in a practical way what I do and why. If something feels uncomfortable, you can say so. We slow down. We pause.

Or we approach it later when you feel safer.

Trust is built through choice and empowerment.

I don鈥檛 charge a different rate for the first session.

You can read more about my background and how I work here:

https://www.keystone-counselling-edinburgh.com/#AboutMe

I currently have space for new clients. 

I offer online sessions Tuesdays to Saturdays, and most evenings to accommodate busier schedules. I have some availability over the weekends. I offer long or short-term counselling.

I look forward to the possibility of meeting you.

With kindness, Mike

Hello, I鈥檓 Michael McGovern, a 糖心官网-registered counsellor offering online counselling for people in Glasgow and across the UK. 

My work tends to draw in men and neurodivergent adults, particularly those who have begun to question how they relate to themselves and others.

Often clients arrive carrying shame, anger, anxiety, or a sense that parts of themselves have had to be hidden or tightly controlled. I am interested in creating a space where this can be explored without rushing to fix or suppress anything.

I have spent many years working with a range of people across the United Kingdom and the United States. That has shaped how I think about identity, difference, and the ways people adapt to cope or belong.

You do not need a diagnosis to work with me. If you recognise traits of autism, ADHD, or other forms of neurodivergence, that is enough.

My approach is relational and collaborative. I am interested in work that is both thoughtful and practical, something that can actually be used in your day-to-day life.

My additional training includes autism-focused work, including Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist training (2026), as well as further training in counselling autistic adults and trauma (2022). I have also completed mindfulness-based training and have a longstanding interest in how awareness, regulation, and meaning-making interact in people鈥檚 lives.

You can read more about my background and how I work here:

https://www.keystone-counselling-edinburgh.com/#AboutMe

The way I work is relational. I do not tend to rush towards solutions. It takes time to build enough safety to explore things like shame, anger, or vulnerability without them becoming overwhelming.

I work pluralistically, so we can draw on different approaches depending on what is useful. I am interested in co-creating ways of working that fit you, rather than applying a fixed model.

With men, there is often something important in working with shame, aggression, and internalised ideas about masculinity. This is not about suppressing these parts, but about understanding them and finding ways to express or channel them without causing harm. There is also something here about recognising personal power, and how it sits alongside others.

Boundaries are an important part of the work. At times, I may encourage you to set boundaries with me. Being able to say no, and have that respected can be a powerful part of developing a more stable and self-directed sense of self.

I'm transparent about how I work. I will usually explain why I am suggesting something, rather than holding that back. If you prefer a more structured or directive approach, we can work that way.

When working with trauma, I tend to think in three strands:

鈥� Safety and regulation

Developing stability in the nervous system and in the therapeutic relationship

鈥� Processing

Working with feelings, memories, and bodily responses

鈥� Integration

Making sense of what has happened and developing a different relationship with yourself and others

Where relevant, I adapt the work for neurodivergent clients so that it feels clearer and less based on unspoken expectations.

I offer a free 20-minute phone or Zoom call. This gives you a chance to ask questions, say a bit about what is bringing you, and get a feel for how it is to speak together. There is no pressure to continue.

If we decide to go ahead, I will send some simple paperwork before we begin.

In a first session, the focus is on helping you feel comfortable and not rushed. We can look at what has brought you, what you might want from the work, and how you would like it to be approached.

For example, this might include exploring a late autism or ADHD identification, or simply questioning whether that way of understanding yourself fits. If it is useful, we can think about goals or ways of tracking change. If not, we leave that aside.

I am clear about boundaries and take responsibility for my role. I also try to make the counselling process more understandable, so it does not feel hidden or obscure.

If something feels like too much, you can say so. We can pause, shift focus, or come back to it later.

Questions people sometimes ask

Do I have to share everything?

No. You decide what you share and when. Being able to say no is part of the work.

Do I need a diagnosis?

No. If you identify with these traits, that is enough.

Is everything confidential?

In most cases, yes. The exception is if there is a risk of harm to you or someone else.

Can I get therapy wrong?

No. There is no correct way to do this. What you bring is enough.

Is therapy uncomfortable?

Sometimes. It can bring up difficult feelings, but also relief, humour, and clarity.

I do currently have availability for new clients.

I offer online sessions Tuesdays to Saturdays, and most evenings to accommodate busier schedules. I have some availability over the weekends. I offer long or short-term counselling.

I look forward to the possibility of meeting you.

With kindness, Mike

Hello, I鈥檓 Michael McGovern, a 糖心官网-registered counsellor offering online counselling for people in Sheffield and across the UK.

I identify as autistic myself, and I mainly work with autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent adults. I鈥檓 also particularly drawn to working with people who identify as men.

For many of my clients, therapy is about finally having a space where they don鈥檛 have to mask, explain themselves repeatedly, or feel 鈥渢oo much鈥� or 鈥渘ot enough.鈥� I aim to offer something steady, honest, and respectful.

I work collaboratively. We focus on what鈥檚 useful for you. You bring your lived experience; I bring training, structure, and clear boundaries so the space feels safe.

I support people with anxiety, burnout, overwhelm, trauma, low mood, shame, anger, and relationship stress. I also work with people who are processing a late diagnosis of ADHD or autism or wondering whether neurodivergence might explain parts of their life.

You can read more about my background and how I work here:

https://www.keystone-counselling-edinburgh.com/#AboutMe

https://www.spacefortherapy.co.uk/?cat=7

 Autism, ADHD & Men鈥檚 Mental Health

My online counselling practice supports autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent adults in Sheffield and beyond.

Living as a neurodivergent adult can be exhausting, especially if you were diagnosed later in life or are still questioning. Many clients I work with experience:

鈥� Burnout and chronic overwhelm

鈥� Shutdown or anxiety

鈥� Harsh self-criticism

鈥� Feeling different or out of place

鈥� Difficulty expressing needs

We work at a pace that feels manageable.

Our focus might include:

鈥� Nervous system regulation

鈥� Understanding autistic or ADHD traits

鈥� Reducing shame

鈥� Strengthening boundaries

鈥� Building self-acceptance

If you choose, we can also explore shadow work: looking at anger, fear, competitiveness, hopelessness, or shame. Rather than treating these parts as problems, we get curious about how they formed and what they鈥檙e trying to protect. And their function. This can reduce inner conflict and build self-kindness.

For many men, especially autistic or ADHD men, to be vulnerable can feel risky. Therapy offers a space where that risk is lowered.

You can read more about my background and how I work here:

https://www.keystone-counselling-edinburgh.com/#AboutMe

https://www.spacefortherapy.co.uk/?cat=7

Sheffield Online Counselling

I offer a free 20-minute phone or Zoom call so you can see how it feels to talk together. There鈥檚 no pressure, just a conversation.

If we decide to continue, I鈥檒l send straightforward paperwork before the first session.

In the first session:

鈥� You set the pace

鈥� You share what feels safe

鈥� We begin to understand what鈥檚 going on for you

If it helps, we can set goals and consider how to measure change. If that doesn鈥檛 suit you, we won鈥檛 use that approach.

I鈥檓 clear about boundaries and aware of the responsibility that comes with this role. If something feels uncomfortable, you can say so. We pause. We readjust. 

I don鈥檛 charge a different rate for the first session.

You can read more about my background and how I work here:

https://www.keystone-counselling-edinburgh.com/#AboutMe

https://www.spacefortherapy.co.uk/?cat=7

I currently have availability for new clients.

I offer online sessions Tuesdays to Saturdays, and most evenings to accommodate busier schedules. 

I have some availability over the weekends. 

I offer long or short-term counselling.

I look forward to the possibility of meeting you.

With kindness, Mike

I am a 糖心官网-registered counsellor offering online counselling for people in Bristol and across the UK.

I work with men and neurodivergent adults who feel stuck, split, or under pressure to be someone they are not.

About me and my therapy practice

I am a counsellor working online across the UK, including Bristol.

I am particularly drawn to working with people who identify as men and adults, especially those who are late identified as autistic or ADHD.

Many people I work with come to therapy carrying anger, jealousy, shame or anxiety, often alongside a sense that parts of themselves have had to be hidden, controlled or pushed down. I'm interested in creating a space where these parts can be explored with honesty, care and curiosity.

You do not need to have anything figured out before you begin.

I work with neurodivergent clients, including people who identify as autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent. A formal diagnosis is not required.

Alongside my counselling training, I bring experience from working with a wide range of people over many years. My approach is grounded, relational and thoughtful, and shaped by ongoing training and professional standards.

My additional training and experience includes:

Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training (ASDCS, PESI), completed 2026, with a focus on autism, anxiety, emotional regulation, communication, and trauma-informed approaches.

Counselling autistic adults and exploring autism and trauma, completed June 2022.

Eating Disorders International Conference, Imperial College London, 2018.

Mindfulness Association Teacher Training, including assessed coursework, 2017.

One Year Training in Mindfulness, Mindfulness Association, 2014.

Integral Awareness Conference with Ken Wilber, 2008.

The Work of Byron Katie, 150 hours training and practice, 2007.

COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills, 2005.

I offer online counselling to clients in Bristol and across the UK.

I work relationally and believe this kind of work needs to go slowly. It takes time to build trust to explore areas such as anger, shame, jealousy or vulnerability without pressure to fix things quickly.

I'm a pluralistic counsellor, which means we work collaboratively and can draw on different approaches depending on what is helpful for you. I am interested in co-creating ways of working that feel practical and relevant to your life. This may include developing strategies together, sometimes drawing on your own interests or ways of thinking.

I aim to be transparent about how and why I suggest certain approaches. I am not prescriptive, and I support you in making informed choices about what feels right for you. If you prefer a more structured or directive approach, I can adapt.

My work is influenced by Jung鈥檚 idea of the shadow, the parts of ourselves we have learned to hide or reject. Therapy can be a place to begin owning these parts more consciously, so they become less limiting and a potential source of clarity and strength.

I also work with a psychodynamic awareness, exploring how past relationships and attachment patterns may still be active in the present.

When working with trauma, I think in three phases: developing safety and regulation, processing feelings and experiences at a manageable pace, and integration, where a different relationship with yourself and others becomes possible.

Where relevant, I adapt the work to suit neurodivergent clients, aiming to make therapy feel clearer, more accessible and less reliant on unspoken expectations.

I offer a free 20-minute phone or Zoom call so you can ask questions, talk about what鈥檚 bringing you to counselling, and see how it feels to speak together. There鈥檚 no pressure, just a space to get to know each other a little bit.

If we continue, I鈥檒l send simple paperwork before the first session. In that first session, the focus is on helping you feel comfortable and in control. You only share what feels safe.

We might explore what you鈥檇 like support with, whether you鈥檙e processing a late ADHD or autism diagnosis, or whether you鈥檙e still questioning. If it feels useful, we can set goals and consider ways to measure progress. 

If that doesn鈥檛 work for you, we won鈥檛 do it.

I鈥檓 clear about boundaries and take the responsibility of this role seriously.  If something feels too much, you can say so. We slow down. 

Questions people sometimes ask:

Do I have to share everything?

No. You are in control of what you share and when.

Part of this work is developing boundaries, including being able to say no. We go at a pace that feels right for you.

Do I need an official diagnosis of autism or ADHD?

No. A formal diagnosis is not required.

If you identify with these traits, that is enough. These are simply ways of understanding your experience.

Is everything confidential?

In most cases, yes. What you share is treated as confidential.

There are a few exceptions. If you intend to harm yourself or someone else, or if someone else is at risk, I may need to act to keep people safe. I will usually aim to discuss this with you.

Can I get therapy wrong?

No. There is no right or wrong way to do this.

My role is to support you in exploring your experience. Whatever you bring is valid.

Is therapy uncomfortable?

Sometimes. Therapy can bring up difficult feelings, but also relief, humour and clarity.

I don鈥檛 charge a different rate for the first session.

You can read more about my background and how I work here:

https://www.keystone-counselling-edinburgh.com/#AboutMe