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I offer appointments on:

Mondays & Tuesdays: From 3 pm - 6 pm

Thursdays: All day

I see clients in a private space in Chorlton, Manchester or UK-wide online.

My availability may change, so it’s always worth checking in via email to discuss potential appointment times.

Are you a professional who looks fine on the outside but feels stuck, exhausted, or strangely flat on the inside? Perhaps you're pushing through, ignoring the warning signs until they surface as irritability, anxiety, sleepless nights, or a quiet sense that something has to change.

You don't have to keep white-knuckling your way through life. Change is possible, and it doesn't have to take forever.

I'm Ian, a qualified psychotherapist, partner, and father. My own experiences with bereavement, adjusting to a physical disability after an accident, and navigating infertility mean I don't just offer theory. I offer a grounded, practical, human approach that respects how hard life can be and focuses on what moves you forward.

My work is built on solid foundations. I hold a Master's in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, have worked across NHS Talking Therapies and central government agencies, and currently serve as a Service Manager for a national mental health charity. I have specific training in men's mental health, trauma, and family dynamics.

My approach. We heal through connection, so the relationship comes first. I bring warmth, honesty, and occasionally a touch of humour, so therapy feels like a real conversation, not a clinical exercise.

Drawing on person-centred, psychodynamic, and CBT approaches, we work in the here and now, testing new ways of thinking and responding, while also looking back when that helps you make sense of patterns. You'll leave sessions with both insight and practical tools you can use between them, so change builds week by week.

Hi, I'm Ian Watts Counselling. I specialise in working with professionals and men who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out. Whether you're facing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, infertility, or a major life transition, I'll help you move from simply surviving your days to actually living them.

How can I help you?

Men's Mental Health: Men often face unique pressures, from "just get on with it" messaging to internal struggles that surface as anger, numbness, withdrawal, or using alcohol or work to cope. I offer a judgment-free space to tackle the root causes, not just the symptoms, so you can rediscover purpose and direction.

Anger: Anger is usually a signal, not the problem itself. Underneath, there's often hurt, fear, or exhaustion. We'll look at what's fuelling the reactions, ease the short fuse, and give you practical ways to respond rather than react, both at home and at work.

Depression: When everything feels flat, heavy, or hopeless, even small tasks can feel impossible. Together we'll build coping strategies, address the underlying patterns, and help you reconnect with energy, meaning, and joy.

Anxiety & Burnout: Constant worry, racing thoughts, physical tension, or avoidance can run your life. We'll uncover what's driving it and develop practical tools to help you regain calm, focus, and control.

Infertility (including male experiences): Infertility can feel isolating, particularly for men. Having walked this path myself, I understand the grief, frustration, and self-doubt it brings, and I offer a space where it can be spoken about openly.

Disability & Life Adjustments: A new physical disability or sudden life change can shake your sense of identity. From lived experience, I'll help you adapt, find your strengths, and move forward with confidence.

Availability

I offer appointments on:

Mondays & Tuesdays: From 3 pm - 7 pm

Thursdays: All day

I see clients in a private space in Chorlton, Manchester or UK-wide online.

Taking the first step is often the hardest part, and I'll make it as easy as possible.

Our first session is about taking the pressure off. There's nothing you need to prepare, rehearse, or "get right." Just come as you are.

We'll use the 50 minutes to talk about what has brought you here and what you'd like to be different. I'll listen properly, not just tick boxes. You'll also get a sense of whether I feel like the right fit for you, because our relationship is the most important part of the work.

I'll explain clearly how I work, answer any questions you have about confidentiality or the process, and by the end of the session we'll agree a realistic path forward. That might mean booking regular sessions, taking time to think it over, or me signposting you elsewhere if that would serve you better.

After our session, I'll often follow up by email with a short summary of our discussion and any reflective prompts or resources to help you build momentum before we meet again.

You don't need to have the right words. You just need to show up.