Registration on file

Hal Thompson, BACP

Hal Thompson is a BACP counsellor who aims to make first steps easier for people under stress.

About Hal

Hal Thompson is a BACP counsellor who aims to make first steps easier for people under stress. He writes plainly and listens closely, helping clients talk through anxiety, addictions, trauma and low self-esteem. He focuses on creating a calm space where someone can be heard and begin to make small changes.

Hal trained in psychodynamic approaches and has a Master’s degree in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London.

Background and approach

He also holds a BA in psychology from the University of Sussex and has three years of direct counselling experience. Before moving into counselling he worked in related roles across arts and education and in mental health settings. In sessions he explores how past experiences and coping habits shape present reactions.

That can include looking at attachment patterns, dissociation, or repeating behaviours that cause shame or guilt. He aims to help people understand why they feel stuck and to notice practical options for change. Hal integrates simpler, evidence-informed techniques when they suit a person’s goals.

These tools can help with panic, obsessive thoughts, addictive behaviours and social anxiety. The emphasis is on finding what actually helps you day to day rather than on labels. People can expect a steady, curious approach underpinned by compassion.

He supports work on post-traumatic stress, self-harm thoughts, men’s issues, prejudice-related distress and relationship patterns without assuming any single path will fit everyone.

Details from the counsellor's public professional profile · registration number listed

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Registration

Body	Registration number	Expires
BACP	399035	April 2026

Registration details are as listed on the counsellor's public profile. You can check any number with the registering body.

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Sessions and payment

Sessions are held online through our partner platform, by video, phone or messaging depending on the counsellor.

Cost Costs are shown on the partner platform before you commit. If cost is a concern, ask about reduced-fee options.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Hal lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

How Hal adapts therapeutic approaches for online work

Hal blends psychodynamic listening with practical, evidence-informed techniques. Psychodynamic work looks at how past experiences and coping patterns show up now, helping people see why they repeat certain behaviours. Practical techniques target symptoms such as panic attacks, obsessive thoughts or addictive urges with step-by-step strategies that can be practised between sessions.

He tailors the mix to each person in collaboration with them. Together the client and counsellor discuss goals and preferences, then try approaches that feel right. Adjustments are made as progress is reviewed so the work fits the person rather than forcing a single method.

Online therapy offers flexibility for different rhythms of life. Video calls allow conversational depth and visual connection, phone sessions require less bandwidth and can be easier during a busy day, while live chat or text-based messaging suit shorter check-ins or when someone prefers not to use audio. These options make it easier to keep therapy going around work, caring responsibilities and travel.

Frequently asked

What concerns does Hal help with?

He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and self-esteem difficulties. Additional focus areas include panic, OCD symptoms, PTSD, self-harm and men’s issues.

What is his therapeutic style like?

Hal uses a psychodynamic approach that explores how past experiences affect current life. He also draws on straightforward, evidence-informed techniques to address symptoms and practical problems.

How much counselling experience does he have?

He has three years of direct counselling experience and prior professional work across arts, education and mental health settings.

What credentials and where is he based?

He holds a Master’s degree in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London, a BA in psychology from the University of Sussex, and is a BACP member based in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English for both UK and international clients.

What session formats are available?

Hal offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How does payment and cost work?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.