Hal Thompson, BACP
Hal Thompson helps people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to move on from painful experiences.
About Hal
Hal Thompson helps people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to move on from painful experiences. He speaks plainly about worries like anxiety, stress, addiction and low self-esteem. Hal aims to create a steady space where people can talk through what is happening now and how the past may be shaping it.
Hal holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Sussex and a Master’s in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London.
Background and approach
He is a BACP member and has three years of direct experience as a practising counsellor in the United Kingdom. Before this clinical work he spent time in arts and education roles, which influence his collaborative style. His main approach draws on psychodynamic ideas - looking at how past experiences and familiar coping patterns turn up in daily life.
Sessions focus on noticing repeated patterns, feelings, and relationships that feel stuck, and naming how these affect choices and mood. When useful, Hal introduces practical techniques from other evidence-based methods to manage symptoms between sessions. This might include ways to handle panic, reduce compulsive behaviours, or cope with cravings for alcohol or drugs.
The emphasis is on combining insight with doable steps. Hal aims for a calm, curious atmosphere where people can explore guilt, shame, attachment worries, dissociation and trauma. He also addresses social anxiety, obsessive thoughts, self-harm and issues linked to prejudice or men’s mental health.
Work is shaped together, to match what matters most to each person.
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.
Sessions and payment
Sessions are held online through our partner platform, by video, phone or messaging depending on the counsellor.
Costs are shown on the partner platform before you commit. If cost is a concern, ask about reduced-fee options.
Focus areas and approaches
What Hal works with
Everything Hal lists, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
- Attachment issues
- Dissociation
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Guilt and shame
- Men's issues
- Narcissism
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Social anxiety and phobia
Online support
Alongside that, evidence-based practical techniques are used to manage symptoms between conversations. These may include short strategies for panic attacks, tools to reduce compulsive behaviours, and plans to cope with cravings for alcohol or drugs. Such techniques give immediate ways to reduce distress while deeper patterns are explored.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide what feels most useful, adapting between insight-led sessions and skills-focused work depending on goals and preferences.
Online sessions make this flexibility easier. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation much like an in-person meeting. Phone sessions can suit a quick check-in or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging are available for shorter exchanges, reflection between sessions or for people who prefer not to use video. Together these formats support steady progress while fitting around work, family and travel commitments.
Frequently asked
What kinds of concerns does this counsellor help with?
Hal helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and low self-esteem, and works on related issues such as panic, OCD, dissociation and substance problems.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a psychodynamic approach that looks at how past experiences shape present patterns, combined with practical techniques when helpful.
What is his professional background?
Hal has a BA in psychology and a Master’s in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy and three years of clinical practice.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works from the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and he is available to work with clients internationally.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.
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