Martin Firstbrook
BA (Hons), PgDP, MBACP (Accred)
 

I work with individuals and couples who want a place to reflect and make sense of their current difficulties so that they can get back on track. I also offer a specialist service for business owners, co-founders and professionals.  I offer a friendly, down to earth, research backed approach both online and face to face. I can provide counselling, psychotherapy and coaching, or a combination as determined by your unique needs. 

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I start from the perspective that people make sense i.e. their behaviour and what they are experiencing have meaning that can be understood in the context of their history, their current life context and their direction of growth.  Exploring this meaning together is an important aspect of my approach. 

 

Many of my clients are struggling with their life, relationships and work challenges for all sorts of reasons including anxiety, burnout, betrayal/infidelity, divorce, low self-esteem, feeling low/depression, imposter syndrome, key life decisions, anger, panic attacks, feelings of isolation, trauma/PTSD, bereavement, suicidality, general work related difficulties. 

 

Some of my clients simply want to use the space as a way of exploring and understanding themselves in the context of their work, their relationships, finding meaning and purpose in their lives.  I also regularly work with business professionals, supporting them with the psychological challenges of their work lives and businesses. 

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I have worked successfully with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, including City professionals, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, rock band drummers, actors, fashion stylists, paramedics, the unemployed, and everyone in-between.  Everyone has their own unique story and their own challenges.

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I am professional but down to earth.  When you work with me, there will be times of serious reflection, but there will also times of laughter and lightness.  I am actively involved as a therapist and coach, rather than a blank screen who occasionally nods.  There will be times where it is important for me to simply listen and to help you listen to yourself but I will also engage with you actively, including sharing ideas and thoughts that may support meaning making and understanding of your situation.

 

My training is integrative, which allows me to adapt my approach to your unique needs.  As a result, my approach may range from a cognitive approach, to a more imaginative and intuitive approach, depending on what the situation demands.  Whatever method used, the intent will be to support the development of insight and enable you to get back on track. 

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Next Steps

You can make a booking using the links below or you can contact me via text, email or phone to make a general enquiry.  I sometimes have availability not shown through the online booking system so please get in touch if you don't see a suitable time.  Typically, the next step will be an initial consultation.  During that meeting we will discuss your situation and get to know each other a little before deciding on whether we will work together for a length of time and on what basis.

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Education and Accreditations

• WPA private health recognised provider 

• Vitality Health recognised provider

• Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

• BACP Accredited status, recognising enhanced experience and training

• Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosynthesis, accredited by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

• Advanced Diploma in Couples Therapy accredited by COSRT, College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists

• Level 1 & 2 Gottman Method Couples Therapy / Couples Counselling Training

• Certificate in Groupwork - Gestalt and Psychodynamic 

• Member of the British Psychological Society and BPS Special Group in Coaching

• British Psychological Society, Qualified Specialist in Test Use

• Accredited to use a range of psychometric tools including:  Gottman Relationship Checkup, Hogan Assessments HDS, HPI, MVPI; Talent Q Dimensions; Neo PI-R; MBTI; BeTalent Strengths, Values and Decision Making Style

• Meyler Campbell Business Coach Programme, accredited by the World Association of Business Coaches

• 20 years experience working in corporate leadership roles before retraining as a psychotherapist

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