- Men's wellbeing focus
- Psychodynamic approach
- BACP member
About Hal
Hal Thompson welcomes people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. He aims to make first steps feel manageable and straightforward. Hal writes in a calm way and offers a steady presence while people talk through their worries, whether those are stress, anxiety, problems with addiction, or wounds from past abuse.
Hal is a BACP member and holds a Master’s degree in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London. He also has a BA in psychology from the University of Sussex. Before moving into therapy work he spent time in the arts and education, then built over a decade of experience in mental health roles across public and private settings.
His core approach is psychodynamic work, which looks at how past experiences and coping patterns shape life now. He often helps people notice unconscious habits and how these repeat in relationships and everyday choices. He draws on other evidence-based techniques when they fit, for example ideas from cognitive behavioural therapy and internal family systems.
In sessions Hal uses curiosity and compassion to help people name what is happening and try things differently. He pays attention to issues such as attachment, dissociation, guilt and shame, and problems linked to drugs and alcohol. He also works with concerns often raised by men, including pressures around identity and self-worth.
People based in the United Kingdom and internationally may book through the site. Hal’s practice aims to support those working through panic, obsessive behaviours, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress, self-harm thoughts and related struggles. Start by completing the site questionnaire to be matched and schedule a first session.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Hal’s primary approach is psychodynamic work, which focuses on how early experiences and coping styles influence current feelings and relationships. Online sessions can be used to look at patterns, memories and recurring behaviours, helping people name what repeats and try new responses.He also uses elements from cognitive behavioural therapy, which centres on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavioural changes. CBT-style tools can be practised between sessions and are often helpful for anxiety, panic and obsessive tendencies.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Hal treats this as a collaborative process and will discuss options with each person, tailoring the mix of methods to their goals, needs and preferences rather than applying a fixed programme.
The site biography does not specify which session formats are provided, so please confirm formats before booking. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into busy lives, for example by removing travel time, making shorter check-ins possible, or allowing sessions during a lunch break. If international scheduling is required, time-zone arrangements can be discussed when you arrange your first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
3+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Hal commonly help with?
He regularly works with stress, anxiety, addiction issues, trauma and low self-esteem, and also supports people facing panic, obsessive behaviours, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
Hal uses a psychodynamic approach that looks at how past experiences affect the present, and he brings in other evidence-based techniques when helpful.
What is his professional background?
He holds a Master’s degree in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy and a BA in psychology, and has around three years' experience working directly in therapy roles.
Where is Hal based and what credential does he hold?
He practises from the United Kingdom and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, listed as BACP.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English, and he is able to work with international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current options on the booking pages before arranging a session.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies by location and with the therapist’s availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.