- Psychodynamic approach
- CBT elements
- Work on guilt
About Hal
Hal Thompson is a BACP member with three years of experience working directly in mental health. He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and low self-esteem. Hal also lists additional focus areas such as attachment issues, dissociation, drug and alcohol addiction, guilt and shame, men's issues, narcissism, OCD and related compulsions, panic, post-traumatic stress, prejudice and discrimination, self-harm, self-love, and social anxiety.
Hal bases his approach in psychodynamic ideas. He looks at how past experiences and coping patterns show up now. That often means talking about repeated patterns and how they play out in relationships and daily life. He also brings in cognitive behavioural ideas and internal family systems where they seem useful.
Sessions aim to clarify why certain feelings stick and to give options for changing unhelpful patterns. Conversations are straightforward and focused on what is happening for the person now, as well as links to earlier life events. Practical steps from CBT-style work can be used alongside exploring inner parts from IFS-type thinking when helpful.
Hal trained at Birkbeck, University of London with a Master’s in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy and has a BA in psychology from the University of Sussex. His background includes roles in public and private mental health services and earlier work in arts and education. He works in English and accepts international clients.
To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. Sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time, and costs vary with location.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions can help
Hal’s work draws mainly on psychodynamic ideas that look at how earlier life events and coping patterns influence present feelings and behaviour. This approach involves talking through repeated patterns, noticing how they show up now, and connecting those moments to past experience. It can help when guilt or shame keeps repeating in relationships or daily life.He also uses cognitive behavioural techniques in a practical way. CBT-style steps focus on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, offering short exercises and concrete strategies for managing anxiety, panic or compulsive behaviours. Internal family systems ideas are sometimes used to identify and work with different inner parts that hold strong feelings or beliefs.
Finding the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will talk with the person about goals and what feels most useful. Together they check which methods to try and adjust the work as needed based on progress and preference.
Confirm current session options before booking. Many clients find online work helps fit therapy into busy lives because it removes travel and can be scheduled around work or family commitments. Online sessions can also allow quieter, shorter check-ins or camera-off conversations when that suits the person better.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and self-esteem concerns. The profile also lists related issues such as guilt and shame, attachment problems, OCD, panic, and post-traumatic stress.
What is his therapeutic style?
His work is primarily psychodynamic, looking at how past experiences affect current patterns. He may add cognitive behavioural techniques and internal family systems ideas when appropriate.
How much experience does he have?
He has three years of direct experience in mental health practice. His background also includes previous roles in arts and education.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a member of the BACP and practices from the United Kingdom. The profile lists a Master’s in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy and a BA in psychology.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with him?
International clients are accepted, according to the profile.
How are sessions paid for?
Sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time, and cost varies with location.
How do I start a session with him?
Begin by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.